Mukaaku, Nsambu runs to High Court to stop MP Mukasa’s election petition withdrawal

By Rachael Najjuma

3^rd Nov 2021

Lubega Samuel Walter Mukaaku and Siraje Kifampa Nsambu both former parliamentary candidates for Lubaga South have applied to the High Court to review its decision of allowing the withdrawal of an election petition against MP Aloysius Mukasa.  

Eugenia Nassolo, the Democratic Party candidate in the race in March challenged the election of Mukasa accusing him of among others having no academic qualification to stand as a Member of Parliament and also bribing voters. However less than two weeks after the kick-off of hearing the petition, in September, Nassolo who became second in the election withdrew it under unexplained circumstances.

Represented by M/S Kigenyi-Opira & CO. Advocates, the duo allege contend that they were aggrieved by the decision  Mukaaku and Kifampa who say they were aggrieved by the decision to withdraw the petition are asking the High Court in Kampala to review the decision with the view of replacing them as the petitioners.

In affidavits in support of their application, the two politicians alleged that the withdrawal was marred with irregularities and illegalities that contravene not only the Constitution but also the parliamentary Elections Act.

In their affidavit the duo say that it will be against the interest of the public to be represented by a person who does not possess the requisite qualification among other irregularities.

“The petition also relates to voter bribery which if these allegations are not determined on merit, they will do great injustice to the public,” The withdrawn petition was presided over by High Court Judge, Dr Winifred Nabisinde.

The court is yet to set a date to hear Lubega and Kifampa’s application.