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Masindi court upholds Akugizibwe, Karubanga election victories
The judge dismissed the petition, confirmed Akugizibwe as the duly elected MP for Buruli County and awarded costs to Akugizibwe and the Electoral Commission, the second respondent in the case.
In a ruling delivered by court registrar Juliet Nakitende on November 12, 2026, Justice Charles Kasibayo said Mugisa had failed to prove the allegations. (File photo)
By: Yosam Gucwaki, Journalist @New Vision
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The High Court in Masindi has dismissed election petitions challenging the victories of Buruli County MP Aled Ronald Akugizibwe and Kibanda South MP Jacob Karubanga in the 2026 elections.
Julius Mugisa, who contested against Akugizibwe, had petitioned the court over alleged voter bribery, intimidation and falsification of results, among other electoral offences.
He asked the court to nullify the results and order a fresh election. Akugizibwe was declared the winner by Masindi district election administrator Gastavas Kakaire, with 13,321 votes against Mugisa's 11,087.
In a ruling delivered by court registrar Juliet Nakitende on November 12, 2026, Justice Charles Kasibayo said Mugisa had failed to prove the allegations.
The judge dismissed the petition, confirmed Akugizibwe as the duly elected MP for Buruli County and awarded costs to Akugizibwe and the Electoral Commission, the second respondent in the case.
Justice Kasibayo also upheld Karubanga's election as MP for Kibanda South in Kiryandongo district, dismissing a petition filed by Jack Oduru.
In a ruling delivered by court registrar Juliet Nakitende on November 12, 2026, Justice Charles Kasibayo said Mugisa had failed to prove the allegations.
The judge dismissed the petition, confirmed Akugizibwe as the duly elected MP for Buruli County and awarded costs to Akugizibwe and the Electoral Commission, the second respondent in the case.
Justice Kasibayo also upheld Karubanga's election as MP for Kibanda South in Kiryandongo district, dismissing a petition filed by Jack Oduru.
Oduru had challenged the election result, alleging non-compliance with electoral laws. The judge ruled that he had failed to prove his claims and awarded costs to Karubanga. The Electoral Commission was ordered to meet its own costs.
Speaking after the ruling, Akugizibwe described it as an affirmation of the will of the people of Buruli County. He called on residents to unite and work together for the area's development.
Karubanga said the ruling had cleared him of the allegations made against him by Oduru and that he was ready to serve his constituents.
Oduru described the ruling as unfair and said he intended to appeal. Mugisa was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.
Speaking after the ruling, Akugizibwe described it as an affirmation of the will of the people of Buruli County. He called on residents to unite and work together for the area's development.
Karubanga said the ruling had cleared him of the allegations made against him by Oduru and that he was ready to serve his constituents.
Oduru described the ruling as unfair and said he intended to appeal. Mugisa was unavailable for comment by the time of publication.