Court Dismisses Ssempijja's Petition, Ending Kalungu East Election Challenge

Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja’s bid to reclaim the Kalungu East parliamentary seat through the courts has been halted. The Masaka High Court has dismissed his election petition against National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Yusuf Kiruruta Nkeretanyi, citing that the petition was filed beyond the legally stipulated timeframe.

This procedural ruling means the court will not delve into the substantive evidence Ssempijja intended to present regarding Nkeretanyi’s election victory following the 2026 general elections. The decision effectively closes this legal avenue for the former Defence Minister, marking a significant shift in his long political career.

Supporters of both Ssempijja and Nkeretanyi had gathered at the court, anticipating a hearing that would examine the evidence. However, Nkeretanyi’s legal team successfully argued a preliminary objection regarding the petition’s filing period, leading to its dismissal.

Nkeretanyi expressed his welcome of the ruling, stating his focus is now on serving the constituents of Kalungu East. “I welcome the court’s decision because this petition was filed outside the period provided for by law. My focus now is to serve the people of Kalungu East who entrusted me with their mandate,” he commented.

This outcome comes as Masaka High Court handles other election disputes from the 2026 general election. In a separate case, the court is hearing a petition challenging the election of Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere, filed by NUP’s Rose Nalubowa. This case involves a controversial recount that altered initial results, with ongoing arguments about the recount process and presented video evidence.

For Ssempijja, the dismissal on procedural grounds concludes his immediate challenge, leaving his political future to be determined outside the courtroom for now. The ruling effectively ends his participation in the Kalungu East electoral contest through this legal challenge.

Source: Nile Post