Politics 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kayunga Woman MP Nakwedde's Victory Stands as Rival Withdraws Petition
The election petition challenging the victory of Kayunga District Woman MP, Harriet Nakwedde, has been formally withdrawn by the petitioner, Jackline Birungi Kobusingye, citing emotional distress after her father's death. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/karangwa-s-daughter-withdraws-petition-against-mp-nakwedde-5606060
The High Court in Mukono has officially sanctioned the withdrawal of an election petition that sought to overturn the electoral win of Harriet Nakwedde, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kayunga District.
Ms Jackline Birungi Kobusingye, who ran as an NRM-aligned candidate, initiated the legal challenge. However, her legal team informed the court that she could no longer proceed with the case due to the recent passing of her father, Moses Karangwa, a prominent local businessman and former NRM chairperson for Kayunga.
Lead counsel for Ms Birungi, Isaac Nambijja, explained to Justice Godfrey Himbaza that his client was experiencing significant emotional distress and needed to focus on family matters. “My client is currently facing significant emotional challenges and needs to concentrate on attending to pressing family responsibilities following her father’s passing,” Nambijja stated.
The withdrawal brings to an end a protracted legal contest that began after the January parliamentary elections. Ms Nakwedde, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), was declared the winner with 20,753 votes, ahead of independent candidate Aidah Nantaba and Ms Birungi. Ms Birungi’s challenge had previously involved a recount application and a revision application before escalating to a full election petition.
Ms Nakwedde’s lawyer, Andrew Wabwezi, indicated they were prepared to contest the petition but agreed to the withdrawal without seeking costs, viewing it as a vindication of their client’s mandate. A relieved Ms Nakwedde expressed her intention to focus on her legislative duties and serving the constituents of Kayunga.