The High Court in Mpigi on Wednesday started hearing the election petition where Betty Ssentamu who contested for the Woman Member of Parliament seat on the National Unity Platform ticket is challenging the victory of Sylivia Nayebare who was announced winner in the January general elections.

Through her lawyers led by Philbert Kansiime Ssentamu, who is also a sister to the NUP President and former presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu wants court to nullify Nayebare's victory and instead declare her the winner basing on the affidavits she already presented before court.

Ssentamu also sued the Electoral Commission of Uganda for allegedly organizing a fraudulent election and not following the laws when presiding over this election.

The case which kicked off at exactly 9;00am, presided over by Mpigi High Court judge, Anthony Ojule Wabwire, the first respondent's lawyer , Alexander Kibandama , from Ortus Africa,had earlier asked court to grant the parties time and enter into mediation with the petitioner which the judge granted.

The court appointed Vianney Ssekikasi to facilitate the mediation process and see whether the two parties can solve this matter out of court and if this fails, court will proceed with the hearing of the case.

Court has also asked the second respondent, the Electoral  Commission to avail the petitioner with the voter's biometric machines from Kifamba and Kyayi sub-counties to be used as affidavits in this case.

Court was adjourned to August 23 when all the parties will come back to court to inform the court about the outcomes in the mediation process.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the first hearing of this petition at Mpigi High Court, Ssentamu cited falsification of results by the electoral commission officers, intimidation, violence by the security officers and NRM agents in Gomba district which gave her opponent victory.

Ssentamu also said that court directing the Electoral Commission to avail her team with the voter's biometric machines from Kifamba and Kyayi sub-counties was another step towards victory because it is where massive rigging took place.

Gomba district returning officer, Anna Ahebwa, declared NRM's candidate Nayebare the winner of the January 14 general election after garnering 3,0253 votes against Betty Ssentamu’s 2,2657 votes something Ssentamu is not contented with.

Nayebare said she is very contented about how the case is being handled and said she asked for the mediation process because she believes she will not be Member of Parliament for life.