Kinkizi East Election Petition: Court Sets December 16 Hearing and Filing Schedule

The Rukungiri High Court has set December 16, 2026, as the date for the next hearing in the election petition concerning the Kinkizi East parliamentary seat. Petitioner Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, formerly the Kanungu District LC5 chairperson, is challenging the January 15, 2026, election results, which declared Dr. Chris Baryomunsi the winner. Kajojo alleges electoral malpractices and presented 44 sureties in court to support his petition.

Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire presided over the proceedings and issued a timetable for the exchange of legal documents. The court directed that the petitioner’s written submissions must be filed by October 12, 2026, with the respondent’s reply due by October 30, 2026. Further filings are expected in November, leading up to the December hearing.

Dr. Baryomunsi’s lawyer, Mwesigwa Rukutana, expressed confidence in his client’s victory, stating that they have fully responded to the allegations and believe Dr. Baryomunsi was legitimately elected. Dr. Baryomunsi, who also serves as the Minister of Health, was reportedly attending a presidential assignment and was not present in court, though his wife was in attendance.

Kajojo, through his legal team from Ngaruye Ruhindi Company and Advocates, indicated that he possesses evidence, including video footage, to substantiate his claims of irregularities and vote rigging. He suggested that the respondent’s team might be delaying the proceedings. The petitioner’s lawyer affirmed their readiness to proceed according to the court’s schedule.

This development sets a clear path for the legal examination of the Kinkizi East election outcome.

Source: Nile Post