Mbarara High Court begins hearing of 10 election petitions
A panel of three justices, Tom Chemtai, Isaac Bonny and Mary Ikit, is presiding over the disputes. The cause list comprises eight parliamentary election battles, one city mayoral petition and one LC3 chairperson dispute for Rugaga sub-county in Isingiro district.
Loydah Kyarikunda Twinomujuni, the Mbarara District woman MP (in yellow), with her supporters at Mbarara High Court, where she is being challenged by former District woman MP, Ayabare, over academic documents. (Photo by Fred Turyakira)
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The High Court in Mbarara on Monday (September 14) commenced the hearing of 10 election petitions arising from the 2026 general elections across Mbarara, Ntungamo, Isingiro and Ibanda districts.
A panel of three justices, Tom Chemtai, Isaac Bonny and Mary Ikit, is presiding over the disputes. The cause list comprises eight parliamentary election battles, one city mayoral petition and one LC3 chairperson dispute for Rugaga sub-county in Isingiro district.
Academic qualifications under scrutiny
Justice Tom Chemtai is handling a docket dominated by challenges to MPs' academic credentials.
In the Mbarara City North MP race, former MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari is challenging the election of Christopher Bakashaba and the Electoral Commission (EC). Rukaari wants Bakashaba disqualified, arguing that he was not validly nominated because of faulty academic documents.
Former MP Margaret Ayebare petitioned to nullify the election of Loydah Twinomujuni Kyarikunda as the Mbarara District Woman MP, also citing questionable academic qualifications.
The case resumes Tuesday, September 15, 2026, for the cross-examination of Ayebare and Kyarikunda, alongside two key witnesses.
In Kajara County, Ntungamo, Justice Chemtai will also hear two conjoined petitions filed by Ahabwe Venansio and Deus Muhwezi against the elected MP, James Hunter Byenjeru Tukahirwa, and the EC over his academic credentials.
Electoral irregularities and mayoral battles
In another courtroom, Justice Isaac Bonny Teko began hearing allegations of ballot flaws and invalid nominations.
In Bukanga North Constituency, Tumuhimbise Julius is challenging the declaration of veteran politician Nathan Byanyima as MP, accusing the Isingiro district returning officer and the EC of widespread voting irregularities. The case has been adjourned to September 28, 2026.
In Ibanda Municipality, Mwine Innocent Bakamuhara is challenging the victory of MP Peter Agaba and the EC, alleging that the poll was not free and fair.
Rwampara East battle
Meanwhile, Lady Justice Mary Ikit has taken charge of the Rwampara East MP petition, in which former legislator Julius Tusiime Karuhanga is seeking to overturn the victory of incumbent MP Charles Ngabirano.
Justice Ikit scheduled the formal hearing to commence on September 17, 2026.
In the Rugaga subcounty LC3 race, Joseph Kiiza is challenging the election of Francis Kaweesi Twase for the LC3 chairperson seat in Isingiro district.
The packed court calendar has drawn tight security and hundreds of political supporters to the Mbarara court premises, as the region awaits rulings that could either uphold the victories or trigger costly by-elections.