Politics 24 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masaka Court Reschedules Kalungu West Election Petition Hearing to October 3
Masaka High Court has set a new date of October 3, 2026, for the hearing of an election petition challenging the victory of Kalungu West MP Joseph Gozanga Ssewungu. The adjournment came after both legal teams agreed on the key issues and witnesses for the case. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/masaka-court-sets-new-date-for-kalungu-west-petition-hearing-5607694
The election petition filed by Ismael Ssemakula against the incumbent Kalungu West Member of Parliament, Joseph Gozanga Ssewungu, will now be heard on October 3, 2026, at the Masaka High Court. Justice Joyce Kavuma made the decision to adjourn the proceedings following an agreement between Ssemakula’s and Ssewungu’s legal representatives on the matters in dispute and the list of witnesses to be called.
During the recent court session, parties presented Declaration of Results (DR) forms from four polling stations. These documents are to be sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory for scrutiny, as Ssemakula alleges that Ssewungu manipulated the results to secure his win. Ssewungu, who narrowly won the election by 46 votes, denies any wrongdoing and asserts his victory was legitimate.
Justice Kavuma has instructed the petitioner to bring forward 20 witnesses for cross-examination when the hearing commences. Ssemakula’s lead counsel, Ambrose Tebyasa, expressed optimism that the laboratory report would be available by the new hearing date. Conversely, Ssewungu’s lawyer, Samuel Muyizzi, welcomed the submission of the DR forms, stating they are confident the expert report will vindicate their client.
In a separate case also before the Masaka High Court, the election of Ruth Katushabe as the woman MP for Bukomansimbi District is being challenged by Veronica Nanyondo. This petition also saw testimony from the deputy registrar regarding disputed document stamps, with the hearing scheduled to continue on September 26, 2026, to hear from additional witnesses, including a handwriting expert.