Former candidate loses petition over Makindye Division mayoral seat

__________________

The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application filed by a former nominee for the Makindye Division mayoral seat.

Geofrey Edu Semata petitioned the High Court, challenging the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify him from the race.

Semata argued that he, along with ten other candidates, had been duly nominated but was later disqualified. He claimed the decision was influenced by a petition filed by Yasini Omari.

According to Semata, he was not given a fair hearing before the decision to bar him from contesting was made.

He further alleged that while other candidates were invited to appear, the Electoral Commission deliberately declined to notify him and proceeded to hear and determine the petition in his absence.

Justice Joyce Kavuma, in a ruling delivered on May 26, 2026, dismissed the petition, holding that Semata failed to prove any procedural irregularities.

“The applicant has accordingly failed to satisfy this court that there are exceptional circumstances and therefore, he ought to have exercised his right to appeal and invoke judicial review. In the premises, this application is hereby dismissed with no order as to cost,” Justice Kavuma said.

The Electoral Commission stated that the applicant allegedly failed to obtain the required valid signatures on the nomination papers submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission.

Justice Kavuma further stated that court records indicate Semata had been informed by the Electoral Commission of the complaint lodged by Omari.