High Court Dismisses Nadeba’s Election Petition, Upholds Mugoya’s Victory

What the report says

The High Court in Iganga has dismissed an election petition by former Bulamogi County MP Sanon Bwire Nadeba, leaving Bernard Mugoya Mutebi, also known as Agro Ben, as the confirmed winner of the January 15, 2026 parliamentary election. Justice Patience Rubagumya said the challenge to Mugoya’s academic qualifications was raised too late and that the petition did not show the alleged irregularities were serious enough to change the outcome.

According to Nile Post, Nadeba argued that Mugoya lacked the minimum academic credentials and also alleged alterations in results at 54 polling stations, along with bribery, violence and other electoral offences. The court, however, found that the qualifications complaint should have been brought before the election because the issue was visible on nomination papers. It also noted that the Electoral Commission had previously considered a similar complaint and found that Mugoya had legally changed his name through a deed poll.

On the vote count, Nadeba relied on uncertified declaration forms that he said would have put him ahead. The judge rejected that evidence and said the alleged alteration of certified results was not proved. The court did identify one polling station where tallying was not completed after forms were seized, but said the number involved could not overcome Mugoya’s 7,770-vote lead. Costs were awarded to Mugoya and the Electoral Commission, and the judgment was delivered electronically on November 9, 2026.