Mukono Court to rule on Kiwanuka’s defence as Kibuule challenges affidavits
Kiwanuka has also rejected the contention that his defence was improperly filed, maintaining that the documents were prepared to respond to the allegations contained in Kibuule’s petition.
Kiwanuka’s legal team, led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, opposed the application and maintained that the defence had been filed in accordance with the law. (Credit: Eric Yiga)
MUKONO - The High Court in Mukono is expected to rule on whether Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka will be allowed to proceed with his defence in an election petition challenging his victory.
Justice Godfrey Himbaza is scheduled to deliver the ruling on Wednesday (September 23), following a preliminary objection by former water state minister Ronald Kibuule, who wants Kiwanuka’s defence documents struck from the court record.
Kibuule’s legal team, led by lawyers Frank Kandiho and Ivan Bwowe, contends that Kiwanuka’s answer to the election petition and the affidavits accompanying it do not comply with the legal requirements governing parliamentary election petitions.
The lawyers have asked the court to reject the contested documents, a move that could affect how Kiwanuka responds to the petition if the objection is upheld.
Kandiho argued that Kiwanuka’s response does not sufficiently set out the facts relied upon to defend his election victory, but instead focuses largely on challenging the affidavit Kibuule filed in support of his petition.
The objection was raised when the matter came before Justice Himbaza on September 21, 2026. The court subsequently allowed Kiwanuka’s lawyers to respond to Kibuule’s arguments.
Kiwanuka’s legal team, led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, opposed the application and maintained that the defence had been filed in accordance with the law.
The lawyers asked for time to respond, arguing that the objection had been raised unexpectedly and required a detailed legal response.
Kibuule’s lawyers asked Justice Himbaza to direct Kiwanuka and some of his assistants to vacate seats designated for advocates. (Credit: Eric Yiga)
Kiwanuka has also rejected the contention that his defence was improperly filed, maintaining that the documents were prepared to respond to the allegations contained in Kibuule’s petition.
The preliminary dispute has therefore placed the admissibility and adequacy of Kiwanuka’s defence at the centre of the proceedings before the substantive issues in the election petition are considered.
Courtroom seating dispute
Kibuule’s lawyers asked Justice Himbaza to direct Kiwanuka and some of his assistants to vacate seats designated for advocates.
The judge granted the request and directed the affected persons to leave the lawyers’ designated area.
The incident occurred as the parties awaited the court’s determination on whether Kiwanuka’s defence documents should remain on the record.
The court has not yet heard or determined the merits of Kibuule’s allegations against Kiwanuka.
Kibuule, a former Mukono North MP and former State Minister for Water, is challenging Kiwanuka’s election in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Among the allegations raised in the petition are electoral irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws. Kibuule is also seeking, among other remedies, a recount of votes cast in Mukono North.
The case is among several election petitions arising from the 2026 General Election before the High Court in Mukono.