Politics
Court dismisses challenge to MP Bakashaba's election
Justice Tom Chemutai on Tuesday (November 10) dismissed the petition filed by Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, with costs, thereby upholding Bakashaba's election in the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections.
Mbarara MP Christopher Bakashaba taking an oath while in court recently. (File photo)
By: Barbra Kabahumuza, Journalist @New Vision
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The High Court in Mbarara has dismissed an election petition challenging the election of Mbarara MP Christopher Bakashaba, ruling that he was validly elected.
Justice Tom Chemutai on Tuesday (November 10) dismissed the petition filed by Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, with costs, thereby upholding Bakashaba's election in the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections.
Rukaari had challenged Bakashaba's election, arguing that he was not qualified to contest for the parliamentary seat.
He also alleged that Bakashaba had used forged academic documents and identity particulars belonging to another person, Bakashaba Christopher, rendering his nomination invalid.
He also alleged that Bakashaba had used forged academic documents and identity particulars belonging to another person, Bakashaba Christopher, rendering his nomination invalid.
However, the court found that the academic documents presented during the proceedings had not been recalled or declared forged by the relevant authorities.
Justice Chemutai also noted that the complaint concerning Bakashaba's academic qualifications had been raised before the elections and ought to have been handled through the Electoral Commission in the first instance.
The court further considered evidence that Bakashaba had sat his Primary Leaving Examinations as a private candidate after attaining adulthood, which supported his account of his academic background.
The judge consequently dismissed the petition, filed under Mbarara High Court Election Petition No. 02 of 2026, with costs and upheld Bakashaba's election.
Justice Chemutai also noted that the complaint concerning Bakashaba's academic qualifications had been raised before the elections and ought to have been handled through the Electoral Commission in the first instance.
The court further considered evidence that Bakashaba had sat his Primary Leaving Examinations as a private candidate after attaining adulthood, which supported his account of his academic background.
The judge consequently dismissed the petition, filed under Mbarara High Court Election Petition No. 02 of 2026, with costs and upheld Bakashaba's election.