Kaabong Woman MP seat declared Vacant

Kaabong woman Member of Parliament, Tubo Christine Nakwang has lost her seat in parliament after the High Court in Soroti nullified her election.

Justice Billy Kainamura on Friday allowed the petition by the runner up, Lilly Rose Akello and decreed that the election is set aside.

"Fresh election shall be held in accordance with the law and the petitioner shall recover her costs in relation to the petition from the first respondent," decreed the Assistant Registrar, Ayebare Tumwebaze on behalf of Kainamura. "As between the petitioner and the second respondent (Electoral Commission), each party shall meet its own costs."

Akello alleged the Kaabong woman MP during the electoral process did not conform to and comply with the principles and laws governing parliamentary elections affecting the result in a substantial manner.

She further claimed that the election was marred with irregularities and illegalities that Nakwang was not validly elected as Kaabong woman parliamentarian asking court to annul the election.

The petition was supported by 68 affidavits meanwhile Nakwang's (first respondent) answer to the petition was supported by 26 affidavits and EC (second respondent) answer was supported by two affidavits.

Both Nakwang and EC denied the allegations that neither Nakwang nor her agents committed the alleged voter bribery, use of the government vehicle during campaigns and that the election was done in accordance with the provisions of the electoral laws.

Akello was jointly represented by Caleb Alaka, Bosco Okiror and Okello Oryem while Richard Outeke and Daniel Okalebo of Okurut and Co. Advocates plus Samuel Isodo of Isodo & Co. Advocates represented Nakwang as Richard Latigo represented the EC.

The respondents' lawyers and Nakwang denounced the verdict before the press and said they were immediately submitting a note of appeal.