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Election petition hearing for Busongora South MP seat fixed for October 20th
Kathika claimed that he was deprived of his 25 votes and instead given 0 votes, against Mulindwa's 398, yet he had apparently obtained 25 votes while Mulindwa got 175. He went on to argue that if the results at this particular polling station were rectified, he would win the election with a difference of 165 votes.
National Unity Platform (NUP)'s Jackson Mbaju Kathika is challenging the victory of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)'s David Mulindwa Isimbwa for the Busongora County South Member of Parliament seat in Kasese District. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
By: Samuel Amanyire, Journalist @New Vision
FORT PORTAL - The Fort Portal High Court has fixed October 20, 21 and 22nd this year to hear an election petition that was filed by National Unity Platform (NUP)'s Jackson Mbaju Kathika challenging the victory of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)'s David Mulindwa Isimbwa for the Busongora County South Member of Parliament seat in Kasese District.
The new dates were announced on September 14th during a Fort Portal court session presided over by Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara.
On January 17, 2026, Kasese District Returning Officer Godfrey Byamukama declared Mulindwa the winner of the highly contested poll, defeating Kathika with a paltry margin of 85 votes after garnering 10,845 votes against 10,760 for the NUP flag bearer, in an election that contested seven candidates.
Disappointed, Kathika embarked on making a petition to the Kasese Chief Magistrate's Court seeking a recount of votes at some polling stations, citing alleged errors in the final tally, but his application was dismissed on grounds that seals for the contested ballot boxes had been tampered with.
Following the dismissal of his application, he petitioned the High Court, challenging the tally of votes at a polling station called Jabezi Primary School Compound A-K, found in Katwe- Kabatooro Town Council.
Disappointed, Kathika embarked on making a petition to the Kasese Chief Magistrate's Court seeking a recount of votes at some polling stations, citing alleged errors in the final tally, but his application was dismissed on grounds that seals for the contested ballot boxes had been tampered with.
Following the dismissal of his application, he petitioned the High Court, challenging the tally of votes at a polling station called Jabezi Primary School Compound A-K, found in Katwe- Kabatooro Town Council.
The new dates were announced on September 14th during a Fort Portal court session presided over by Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
Kathika claimed that he was deprived of his 25 votes and instead given 0 votes, against Mulindwa's 398, yet he had apparently obtained 25 votes while Mulindwa got 175. He went on to argue that if the results at this particular polling station were rectified, he would win the election with a difference of 165 votes.
He has since hired JByamukama and Co. Advocates to help him with law experts to enable him to reclaim his alleged victory, and according to Patience Babiwemba from the same law institution, they remain committed to ensuring that their client gets justice.
Defence counsel led by Jesse Soita from Soita and Co. Advocates said that they are ready to defend their client’s victory.
Meanwhile, David Mulindwa Isimbwa, who continues to execute his services as legislator of the constituency in question, also remains hopeful that the courts of law will take the right decision to enable him to complete his term of service.
He has since hired JByamukama and Co. Advocates to help him with law experts to enable him to reclaim his alleged victory, and according to Patience Babiwemba from the same law institution, they remain committed to ensuring that their client gets justice.
Defence counsel led by Jesse Soita from Soita and Co. Advocates said that they are ready to defend their client’s victory.
Meanwhile, David Mulindwa Isimbwa, who continues to execute his services as legislator of the constituency in question, also remains hopeful that the courts of law will take the right decision to enable him to complete his term of service.