Politics
Court begins hearing challenge to Nagaya’s Jinja mayoral victory
The petition was filed by Kirunda Mubaraka of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who contested against Nagaya in the January 22, 2026, general elections.
National Resistance Movement (NRM), Jinja City Mayor Abdulhafidh Nagaya (left) and Kirunda Mubaraka of the National Unity Platform (NUP). (Courtesy)
By: Doreen Musingo, Journalist @New Vision
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The High Court in Jinja will today, Tuesday, begin hearing an election petition challenging the victory of Jinja City Mayor Abdulhafidh Nagaya.
The petition was filed by Kirunda Mubaraka of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who contested against Nagaya in the January 22, 2026 general elections.
Mubaraka garnered 15,783 votes, while Nagaya, who contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, won the election with 17,266 votes.
The hearing will be presided over by High Court Judge Justice Aidah Nakiganda and conducted via video conferencing.
During a press briefing at the court on September 14, 2026, Justice Nakiganda cautioned bloggers against covering the proceedings, saying their activities were not regulated. She instead urged accredited media houses to observe professionalism while reporting on court proceedings.
Nagaya, speaking to New Vision on Monday, appealed to his supporters and the public to remain calm, saying there was no reason to be worried about the petition.
During a press briefing at the court on September 14, 2026, Justice Nakiganda cautioned bloggers against covering the proceedings, saying their activities were not regulated. She instead urged accredited media houses to observe professionalism while reporting on court proceedings.
Nagaya, speaking to New Vision on Monday, appealed to his supporters and the public to remain calm, saying there was no reason to be worried about the petition.
“The case has been scheduled for tomorrow; please remain calm, and everyone should be okay. No one should get scared or worried,” Nagaya said.
He expressed confidence in his legal team, saying they would make the necessary submissions before court and defend the victory he secured in the January elections.
Nagaya also said he expected the matter to be handled within a short period.
The petition seeks to challenge the election outcome, with the court expected to consider whether the allegations raised by Mubaraka have sufficient grounds to affect Nagaya’s election victory.
By press time on Monday, Mubaraka was not present in court but was represented by his lawyers.
He expressed confidence in his legal team, saying they would make the necessary submissions before court and defend the victory he secured in the January elections.
Nagaya also said he expected the matter to be handled within a short period.
The petition seeks to challenge the election outcome, with the court expected to consider whether the allegations raised by Mubaraka have sufficient grounds to affect Nagaya’s election victory.
By press time on Monday, Mubaraka was not present in court but was represented by his lawyers.