Kabale High Court to deliver judgment in Bukimbiri election petition on November 13

The Kabale High Court has set a definitive date for its judgment in the election petition concerning Bukimbiri County. Justice Farouq Lubega announced that the ruling on the petition challenging the election of MP Eddie Kwizera wa Gahungu will be delivered on November 13.

This decision follows an agreement between the legal teams representing the parties involved. To expedite the process and save court time, the lawyers have consented to forgo oral cross-examination and will instead rely on written submissions. The court has set deadlines for these submissions: the petitioner’s lawyers must file by October 23, respondents’ lawyers by October 30, and any rejoinders by November 3.

Eddie Kwizera, who won the Bukimbiri County seat in the January general election as an independent candidate, secured 14,761 votes. He narrowly defeated the National Resistance Movement’s candidate, Asgario Turyagyenda, who garnered 12,553 votes. A third candidate, James Owebeyi of the FDC, received 102 votes.

Petitioner Asgario Turyagyenda lodged the petition seeking to nullify Kwizera’s victory, alleging illegal practices and electoral offenses during the campaign. He requested a fresh election.

Despite the ongoing legal challenge, both Kwizera and Turyagyenda expressed optimism after the court session. Kwizera cited alleged contradictions in the petition and affidavits as reasons for his confidence, while Turyagyenda pointed to the court’s acceptance of his evidence and the agreement on written submissions as favorable signs for his case.

Justice Lubega commended the parties for their cooperation in agreeing on the procedural roadmap, emphasizing that the judgment will be communicated to the parties via email. The court will make its final determination after reviewing all the written arguments presented by both sides.