Court to rule on Hoima Woman MP election petition on November 13

The High Court sitting in Hoima city has set November 13 as the date on which it will give its decision on the petition challenging the election of Asinansi Nyakato as the Hoima city woman Member of Parliament.

The hearing of the petition, in which National Resistance Movement flagbearer Princess Diana Mugenyi is contesting the election of Nyakato, a member of the People's Front for Freedom, started on October 1, 2026.

The case is being presided over by Mbale resident Judge Charles Kasibayo in Hoima city.

Mugenyi filed the petition on March 9, 2026, seeking to nullify the results and order a fresh election.

This was after Nyakato was declared the winner of the January 15 election with 17,142 votes against Mugenyi's 15,197.

Mugenyi alleges widespread electoral irregularities, bribery, voter manipulation and non-compliance with electoral laws during the election. Nyakato is represented by Medard Sseggona and Ali Turyahikayo Barekye from Lukwago and Company Advocates.

On October 2, Nyakato's lawyers cross-examined Mugenyi and later the Hoima city election administrator, Obura Atamba Tibahemuka, before the matter was adjourned to today (October 15).

Addressing the media after the court proceedings, where journalists were not allowed, Barekye said the proceedings went on well and his client Nyakato was cross-examined.

He noted that after the cross-examination of his client, the judge fixed November 13 as the date when the court will deliver its judgement.

He added that the judge also set October 19 as the date when the petitioner will give in her written submissions and on October 28, the defendant (Nyakato) will file her written submissions. Barekye said the judge set November 2 as the date when they will file a rejoinder.

Nyakato commended the judge for conducting balanced court proceedings, saying she was expecting to win the case. She urged her supporters to remain calm and wait for the court's decision.

One of Mugenyi's lawyers, Humphrey Tumwesigye, said the court proceedings went on well as they expected, and they expect to win the case too.

By the time the court adjourned the proceedings, hundreds of supporters of both candidates were still gathered outside the court premises amid tight security deployment.