Heavy deployment as hearing of election petition against MP Nyakato starts
On March 9, 2026, Mugenyi filed a case challenging Nyakato’s election and wants the court to nullify the result and order a fresh election.
People’s Front for Freedom (PFF)’s Asinansi Nyakato was been sworn in as City Woman Representative for Hoima City during the 12th Parliament swearing-in ceremony. (New Vision/Files)
HOIMA - There was heavy deployment of police officers at Hoima High Court as hundreds of people stormed the court premises to attend the hearing of an election petition that was filed by National Resistance Movement flagbearer Princess Diana Mugenyi against Hoima City woman legislator Asinansi Nyakato.
The deployment was prompted by the hundreds of supporters of both candidates, who gathered at the court premises. A senior police officer said they deployed heavily as they anticipated violence from the supporters.
Court presided over by Mbale resident Judge Justice Charles Kasibayo today (September 16) later sat to fix the dates for hearing the case. The judge fixed October 1 and 3 as the hearing dates.
On March 9, 2026, Mugenyi filed a case challenging Nyakato’s election and wants the court to nullify the result and order a fresh election.
Mugenyi claims the January 15 election was marred by widespread irregularities, bribery, voter manipulation and non-compliance with electoral laws.
Both Mugenyi and Nyakato attended the court session. Mugenyi was represented by Humphrey Tumwesigye of Mujulizi and Tumwesigye Company Advocates, while Nyakato was represented by Medard Lubega Sseggona of Lukwango and Company Advocates.
After Justice Kasibayo fixed the hearing dates, Sseggona said the judge advised the two parties to negotiate and settle the case out of court.
Nyakato welcomed the judge's guidance of having the case settled out of court, adding that it would save time and resources. "I am ready to reconcile with Mugenyi if she wishes to," said Nyakato.
However, Mugenyi's lawyer (Tumwesigye) said they served Nyakato and the Electoral Commission with 86 affidavits, but they did not reply.
He said they are also ready to take on the petition by October 1 and secure victory for their client.
Mugenyi said her victory was robbed and hopes justice will be on her side, adding that there was no room for reconciliation because doing so would be betraying the people of Hoima City.
In response, Nyakato said, "Since Mugenyi insisted on proceeding with the case, I am confident that justice will be on my side because I won the elections genuinely, and I have all the evidence justifying my victory."