Thursday, March 14, 2024, the High Court in Kampala is expected to hear a petition in which the former aspirants of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) are challenging the process the poll was conducted.

On November 29, last year, the Court of Appeal Justices Monica Mugenyi, Richard Buteera and Catherine Bamugemereire ordered for fresh hearing of the case before another judge.

This was after the judges agreed with the petitioners that the trial judge, Douglas Karekona Singiza miscomprehended the gist of their complaint.

The petitioners are Gilbert Agaba, Josephine Lolem, Salaama Adelaide Nakitende and Lauben Muhangi Bwengye. They are represented by Jude Byamukama.

Following the Court of Appeal directive, the Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija directed Justice Emmanuel Baguma to expeditiously hear and dispose of the petition.

The four petitioners filed the petition against the Attorney General, Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija, Rose Akol Okullu, Dennis Namara, James Kakooza and Stephen George Odongo.

Paul Mwasa Musamali, Veronica Babirye Kadogo, Mary Mugenyi Mutamwebwa, Jacqueline Amongin and Gerald Siranda Blacks, are also listed as respondents in the matter.

In their petition, they argue that the way the election of the EALA members was conducted infringes on the East African Community (EAC) treaty, EALA Elections Act, and the Ugandan Constitution.

Background

The petitioners participated in the election of EALA members held on September 29, 2022, and lost.

Subsequently, they petitioned the court alleging several illegalities and irregularities in the election process.

Petitioner Agaba swore an affidavit, stating that the election process was not transparent, citing ballot stuffing.