Buyende Woman MP wins election petition in absentia

The District Woman MP for Buyende, Veronica Babirye Kadogo has retained her seat after the Court of Appeal dismissed the case where her rival, Annet Mary Nakato contested her 2016 victory.

Nakato, the NRM flag bearer, first lost the petition in Jinja High Court in August however, she contested Judge Geoffrey Namundi's verdict and filed an appeal, the case that was finally ruled in Kadogo's favour.

In the verdict that was read in the Court of Appeal chambers on Monday, Justice Deo Niyenzimana dismissed the case with costs, sending Kadogo's supporters into loud cheers.

 The verdict was affected on grounds that the plaintiff failed to prove allegations of malpractices including vote rigging, bribery, ballot stuffing, pre-ticking, and intimidation on Election Day.

"I read the accusations which I balanced with Jinja High Court ruling and saw no additional evidence to prove the claims. I concur with the High Court verdict and therefore dismiss the case with costs" he said.

He added that Kadogo's election was free and fair, which doesn't necessitate a fresh election.

Kadogo, an independent MP enjoyed the "sweet" victory in absentia as she's currently attending the Pan African Parliament in South Africa, where she's one of the representatives of the Parliament of Uganda.

"I am indeed glad for this milestone. The court has ruled in favour of the electorate. Now that it is done, it is time I embark on serious work minus stress," Kadogo said on WhatsApp.