The election petition challenging the victory of Godfrey Aine Kaguta Sodo, brother to President Yoweri Museveni, as Mawogola North Member of Parliament has suffered another setback following disagreements over the participation of petitioner Jet Tumwebaze as his own lawyer in the proceedings.
Lawyers representing Sodo and the Electoral Commission have objected to Tumwebaze’s decision to represent himself in the same case in which he is the petitioner, despite having other lawyers on his legal team.
Electoral Commission lawyer Erick Sabiiti told court that Tumwebaze’s decision to personally conduct his case raises questions about his confidence in the lawyers representing him.
However, Tumwebaze defended his position, arguing that there is nothing preventing him from representing himself in a matter whose details he understands well.
Presiding over the proceedings at the High Court in Kampala, Justice Bernard Namanya scheduled November 23, 2026, to deliver a ruling on the objection.
The judge also directed the respondents to file the necessary documents by November 16, with responses expected by November 20, 2026.
Justice Namanya further advised the parties to consider an amicable settlement. However, Sodo reportedly maintained that reconciliation would only be possible if Tumwebaze withdrew the petition.
The substantive hearing of the election petition is expected to commence on November 24 and run until November 27, 2026.
Meanwhile, Tumwebaze criticised the Judiciary over delays in handling the case, with the parties also remaining divided over the decision to transfer the petition from Masaka to Kampala.
Tumwebaze filed the petition challenging the Electoral Commission’s decision to nominate Sodo, questioning the validity of his academic documents and alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
By Edith Namwanje
10th Nov 2026
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