Judiciary Prepares to Hear 118 Election Petitions from 2026 Polls

The Ugandan Judiciary is gearing up to address a significant number of election petitions following the 2026 parliamentary and local government elections. A total of 118 petitions have been filed, prompting the courts to finalize administrative preparations for their timely adjudication.

Chief Registrar Agnes Alum stated that judges across various High Court circuits are currently organizing the allocation of these cases. She emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to adhering to the legal deadlines that govern election disputes, which are crucial for ensuring certainty in elected offices.

Among the notable challenges are petitions filed by prominent figures, including Mawokota North MP Hilderman Kiyaga contesting the election of Amelia Kyambadde, and former Rushenyi County MP Mwesigwa Rukaari challenging Christopher Bakashaba’s victory in Mbarara. Other high-profile cases involve Sarah Opendi and Grace Nalubega challenging election outcomes in Tororo and Bukomansimbi respectively.

Several petitions also name the Electoral Commission as a respondent, reflecting broad concerns about electoral processes. The Masaka and Moroto High Court circuits appear to be handling a substantial portion of these election-related challenges.

Beyond election matters, Alum also touched upon efforts to strengthen judicial accountability through intensified investigations into corruption and misconduct. She urged the public to provide concrete evidence for complaints.

Additionally, the judiciary is working on improving the efficiency of bail application processes and addressing delays in hearing new cases, which are often attributed to heavy workloads. Plans are also underway to improve media access to court proceedings through new guidelines and accreditation programs.

In terms of ongoing reforms, the judiciary is expanding its Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), increasing virtual hearings, and exploring AI-assisted tools for judgment writing. The annual court vacations are scheduled from July 15 to August 15 for High and Magistrates’ Courts, and throughout August for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, though registries will remain open for new case filings.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/judiciary-to-begin-hearing-2026-election-petitions