Court Permits Withdrawal of Petition Against Minister Jim Muhwezi's Election Victory

Minister Jim Muhwezi has received a significant legal reprieve following the High Court’s decision in Rukungiri to permit the withdrawal of an election petition that sought to challenge his victory in the Rujumbura County parliamentary elections.

Justice Susan Kanyange issued an order on July 7, 2026, granting Fred Turyamuhweza, the applicant, leave to withdraw Parliamentary Election Petition No. 005 of 2026. The petition had named Muhwezi and the Electoral Commission as respondents.

The court also ordered that the Electoral Commission be awarded costs for the legal proceedings. Muhwezi, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was declared the winner of the January 15, 2026 election, securing 25,007 votes. His main competitor, Fred Turyamuhweza of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), received 23,307 votes.

Initially, Turyamuhweza had petitioned the High Court, alleging electoral offenses by Muhwezi and asserting that the election was not conducted in compliance with electoral laws. He sought to have the election annulled and a fresh poll ordered.

However, the applicant, Turyamuhweza, has now chosen to withdraw his challenge. The court order explicitly states permission for the withdrawal of the petition against Muhwezi and the Electoral Commission.

Following the court’s decision, Minister Muhwezi expressed his gratitude to the people of Rujumbura County for their trust and support, and also thanked his legal team for their unwavering assistance. This withdrawal effectively concludes the legal challenge to Muhwezi’s election for the Rujumbura County Member of Parliament seat for the 2026–2031 term.

Source: Nile Post