Politics 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Court Upholds MP Musisi's Victory as Kira Election Petition is Withdrawn
The High Court in Wakiso has dismissed Daniel Kananura's election petition challenging the victory of Kira Municipality MP George Musisi, allowing Kananura to withdraw the case. The court declared Musisi validly elected and ordered each party to bear their own costs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-ends-kananura-s-challenge-to-mp-musisi-s-kira-victory-5631978
The High Court in Wakiso has officially ended the legal challenge to George Musisi’s election as the Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality. Justice George Okello granted former NRM candidate Daniel Kananura’s request to withdraw his petition against Musisi, who represents the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Kananura had accused Musisi and the Electoral Commission (EC) of irregularities, including violence, intimidation, bribery, and vote rigging during the January 2026 parliamentary elections. The petition had progressed significantly, with most witnesses examined before Kananura decided to withdraw.
In his ruling, Justice Okello declared Musisi the validly elected MP for Kira Municipality. The judge noted that Kananura had cited a lack of key evidence and consultation with voters as reasons for discontinuing the petition. Kananura also pointed to his former lawyers, alleging the petition was rushed and omitted crucial information.
While the judge acknowledged the petition was poorly prepared, he decided that each party should cover its own legal costs. This decision aimed to balance compensating respondents for their litigation expenses with ensuring that fear of high costs does not deter citizens from seeking justice. The court was satisfied that Kananura’s withdrawal was not due to any corrupt arrangement.
Musisi, who received 21,561 votes in the election according to the EC, welcomed the court’s decision. His lawyer, Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, stated that the ruling allows his client to focus on his legislative duties without further interruption. Kananura’s lawyer, Allan Charles Bukuwa, also described the ruling as fair.