The Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala has begun hearing 17 election petitions filed before different judges, with politicians from various political parties appearing in court to challenge the results of the elections held in January this year.
Among the petitions is one filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate David Lewis Lubongoya challenging the victory of Kampala Minister and Kampala Central Member of Parliament Hajjat Minsa Kabanda.
In the case, Electoral Commission lawyer Steven Kalali has asked court to reject 97 pieces of evidence submitted by Lubongoya, arguing that they were presented without following the procedures required by law.
Justice Flavia Nabakooza directed the parties to return to court on October 1 for the formal hearing of the application.
Another petition has been filed by NUP candidate Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu challenging the victory of NRM candidate Madiina Nsereko Ntare in the Kawempe South parliamentary election.
Madiina Nsereko did not appear in court but was represented by her lawyers.
Nyanzi’s legal team, led by Counsel Alex Luganda, told court that they were ready to proceed. However, Electoral Commission lawyer Abubaker Kayondo asked for more time to file the commission’s rejoinder, saying officers responsible for preparing the documents were engaged in organising the Adjumani by-election scheduled for Wednesday, September 16.
Under the schedule issued by court, Nyanzi’s lawyers will file their submissions through the court’s Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) by September 22, while Madiina Nsereko’s lawyers will file their submissions on September 24.
Nyanzi’s legal team will then file a rejoinder on September 25, with Justice Faridah Bukirwa expected to respond on September 29. The case will return to court on September 30 at 9:00am.
Speaking shortly after the court session, Nyanzi said they want court to order the Electoral Commission and Madiina Nsereko to produce the original declaration of results forms to establish how she won the election.
Meanwhile, another petition has been filed by FDC candidate Francis Lubega challenging the victory of NUP candidate Kasirye Nganda Mulyanyama.
Former FDC candidate Ivan Bwowe has also challenged the victory of NUP candidate and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi.
The petitions are among several election-related cases now before the High Court as candidates seek to overturn or defend the results declared in the January elections.
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