Politics 24 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kalungu West Election Petition Hearing to Commence in Masaka
Masaka High Court is poised to begin hearing a petition challenging the election of Kalungu West MP Joseph Gozanga Ssewungu, following a resolution of disputes over contested declaration of results forms. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kalungu-west-election-petition-hearing-set-to-begin-in-masaka-5607160
The High Court in Masaka is set to commence the hearing of an election petition filed by Ismael Ssemakula, who is contesting the victory of Joseph Gozanga Ssewungu in the Kalungu West parliamentary election held on January 15, 2026. The proceedings were delayed as parties resolved an issue concerning four crucial declaration of results forms from specific polling stations.
Ssewungu’s legal team had initially raised concerns about the petitioner’s compliance with a court order to present these original forms for examination. The forms in question are from Kakunyu Trading Centre, Nakaseta Kisagazi, Nalunya Church of Uganda, and St Josephine Catholic Church Bulawula. The petitioner intends for these forms to be analyzed by experts at the Government Analytical Laboratory to verify allegations of falsification.
During a recent session presided over by Justice Joyce Kavuma, the petitioner’s lawyers agreed to submit the forms to the court registry. From there, they will be transferred to a government expert for analysis, with the court ensuring that both parties are involved in the process to prevent any potential interference. Justice Kavuma also dismissed a preliminary objection by Ssewungu’s lawyers to strike out 20 affidavits submitted by the petitioner, finding no legal grounds for the objection.
The court is scheduled to finalize the hearing schedule for the petition on Thursday. Ssemakula is seeking a fresh election for the Kalungu West constituency, citing the alleged falsification of declaration forms as a primary reason. Ssewungu has formally opposed the petition.
In a separate development, the High Court in Wakiso has consolidated two applications related to an election petition filed by Daniel Kananura against Kira Municipality MP George Musisi. Justice George Okello will hear these applications together to determine preliminary issues concerning the amended petition’s validity. The respondents argue the petition was filed out of the statutory period, while the Electoral Commission has raised concerns about the implications of striking out the amended petition. A ruling on these consolidated applications is expected on September 29, with the substantive hearing awaiting this decision.