Two petitions challenge MP Kwizera’s Bukimbiri victory

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The Kabale High Court has commenced proceedings on two election petitions challenging the election of independent candidate Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu as the Member of Parliament for Bukimbiri County in the January 15, 2026 General Elections.

The petitions were filed by Asigario Turyagyenda, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, and James Owebeye, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, who are seeking to overturn Kwizera’s victory.

Kwizera retained the Bukimbiri County parliamentary seat after polling 14,761 votes, while Turyagyenda obtained 12,553 votes and Owebeye polled 102 votes.

The petitions are being heard by Justice Dr Farouq Lubega, who directed journalists to leave the courtroom and switch off their mobile phones and other recording devices during the proceedings.

Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, the Member of Parliament for Bukimbiri County speaking to the press after the hearing of the two petitions against his victory. (Photo by Nelson Ahimbisibwe)

Justice Lubega said journalists would only be allowed to take photographs and record before the court session begins. He warned that phones could be checked for recordings and that anyone found violating the directive could face action in accordance with the law.

The judge also directed journalists to remain outside the courtroom and wait for the parties to brief them after the proceedings.

He urged the parties involved in the petitions to respect one another throughout the hearing.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Tumwebaze, the assistant registrar at the Kabale High Court Circuit, said the election petition cases before the court had resumed.

Tumwebaze said the court would make its determination after hearing submissions from both sides and considering the evidence and information presented before it.

The court has set October 2 and October 15, 2026, for the hearing of the election petitions filed by Turyagyenda and Owebeye.

In Election Petition No. 01 of 2026, Turyagyenda is challenging Kwizera’s election, alleging that the January 15 election was marred by several irregularities.

Turyagyenda told the court that he filed the petition in April 2026, seeking to have Kwizera’s victory nullified.

Among the allegations raised by Turyagyenda is that some of his supporters and polling agents were beaten and harassed during the voting process.

He also alleges that voters were bribed and that polling officials manipulated election results in favour of the incumbent, contrary to Electoral Commission guidelines.

Turyagyenda is asking the court to examine the alleged irregularities and determine whether they affected the outcome of the election.

In a separate case, Election Petition No. 02 of 2026, Owebeye alleges that his name was unlawfully removed from the voters’ register, preventing him from participating in the election.

NRM Flagbearer Asgario Turyagyenda speaking to the press. (Photo by Nelson Ahimbisibwe)

Owebeye told the court that he notified the Kisoro district returning officer, Dan Nayebare, about the alleged removal of his name and requested that the election be postponed until the matter was resolved.

He alleges that no action was taken on his request.

Owebeye is asking the High Court to annul Kwizera’s election and order a fresh election in Bukimbiri County.

He is also seeking compensation from Kwizera and the Electoral Commission for what he describes as losses arising from the alleged violation of his rights, as well as payment of the costs of the petition.

However, Kwizera has dismissed both petitions as baseless and maintained that his election was legitimate.

Speaking to journalists outside court, Kwizera questioned Owebeye’s eligibility, alleging that he did not possess a valid National Identification Card, which, according to Kwizera, would have affected his nomination.

Kwizera also dismissed Turyagyenda’s allegations, saying his former rival had failed to provide evidence to substantiate the claims contained in the petition.

He further attributed the petitions to what he described as hatred, religious sectarianism and rumours allegedly spread by some of his opponents’ supporters.

Kwizera said he was prepared to defend his victory before court and urged his opponents to respect the judicial process.

The High Court will consider the evidence and submissions from the parties before making its determination on the petitions.

The cases have attracted public interest in Bukimbiri County, where the outcome could determine whether Kwizera retains his parliamentary seat or the constituency goes back to the polls.