NIRA ordered to avail Namisindwa MP's records amid citizenship challenge

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The High Court in Mbale has ordered the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to provide the registration details of Namisindwa County MP Matrine Nanzala, also known as Metrine Nanjala, to her election rival, Apollo Masika, for citizenship verification.

High Court Judge Farouq Lubega issued the order in a ruling dated June 2, 2026.

“In the circumstances and given that the documents sought are intended to facilitate the just and proper determination of Parliamentary Election Petition No. 03 of 2026, I find merit in the application and accordingly grant the orders sought,” Justice Lubega ruled.

Following the January 14 general elections, Nanzala was declared the winner with 9,521 votes, defeating Masika, who polled 6,196 votes.

Justice Lubega noted that, since the application was filed to facilitate the just and effective determination of Parliamentary Election Petition No. 03 of 2026, the costs of the application would abide by the outcome of the petition.

The ruling arose from an application filed by Masika seeking access to Nanzala’s registration details.

Masika contends that Nanzala is not a citizen of Uganda and, therefore, did not qualify for election as a Member of Parliament.

Article 80 of the Constitution provides that, among other requirements, a person must be a citizen of Uganda to qualify for election to Parliament.

Masika argues that Agnes Nelima and the late Michael Walyama, whom he describes as Nanzala’s alleged parents, had only four children.

However, Nanzala disputes the claim, arguing that Agnes Nelima and the late Michael Walyama had five children, including herself.

Masika also sought the registration details of Evans Wekesa, who claims to be a sibling of the MP.

While moving the court to grant the application, Masika argued that no injustice would be occasioned to the MP and that the information would enable him to properly prosecute his election petition, thereby assisting the court in reaching a fair and just decision.

Nanzala opposed the application, arguing that Nelima and Wekesa, whose registration details were being sought, were not parties to the proceedings and had not been served with court process.

Counsel Dan Wegulo and Faith Luchivia represented Masika, while Counsel Geoffrey Nappa and Rebecca Nabumboi represented Nanzala.

Genesis of the case

In the main petition, Masika is challenging Nanzala’s election on the grounds that she is not a citizen of Uganda and was therefore not legally elected to the 12th Parliament.

After Masika filed the election petition, Nanzala filed an affidavit in reply in which she averred that Agnes Nelima and Michael Walyama were her biological parents, prompting Masika to file the application.

Masika contends that Nanzala was born in Kenya and does not possess Ugandan citizenship under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution. He further alleges that she obtained her national identity card illegitimately from NIRA through a false declaration of parentage.

The petition is among 102 election petitions that have been filed before the courts for determination.

However, Judiciary spokesperson James Jumire Ereemye Mawanda said the Judiciary is still awaiting funds before the petitions can be heard.

“As the judiciary, we are ready to hear and determine the petitions, but we have not yet availed the funds. Once the funds have been availed to us, we shall commence the hearing and determination of the petitions as soon as possible,” Mawanda said.