Masaka Chief Magistrate’s court has ordered a recount of votes cast in the Kalungu West parliamentary election following a petition by defeated candidate Ismael Ssemakula challenging the victory of MP-elect Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu.
Chief magistrate Herbert Asiimwe issued the directive, citing public interest and the narrow margin separating the two candidates. According to Electoral Commission results, Ssewungu garnered 10,106 votes against Ssemakula’s 10,060, a difference of just 46 votes.
The recount is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, starting at 10:00 am at the Kalungu Chief Magistrate’s court premises.
In his ruling, Asiimwe underscored the need for transparency given the closeness of the contest. “Since this is a matter of public concern, and the difference between the candidates is very small, it is only proper that the votes be counted,” he said.
He added that the recount would be conducted at Kalungu court, rather than Masaka, to minimise disruption to other court and electoral activities. The magistrate further directed the Electoral Commission to maintain tight security over all ballot boxes and voting materials and to transport them to court only after verifying the seals placed on them during storage.
“The Electoral Commission must continue securing the ballot boxes and voting materials. They should ensure their transfer to court occurs after verifying the seals attached during storage,” Asiimwe ordered.
He advised all parties, their agents and lawyers to attend the exercise, but urged restraint in numbers. He also clarified that the recount would be conducted under direct court supervision, rather than by individual presiding officers.
Meanwhile, Caleb Alaka, a lawyer representing Ssewungu, asked the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that a Chief Magistrate’s court lacks jurisdiction to hear a parliamentary election petition.
Despite the objection, the court proceeded to issue interim orders allowing the recount to go ahead as it awaits further clarification on the jurisdictional question.
Ssewungu urges calm
Reacting to the ruling, Ssewungu said he respected the court’s decision and appealed to his supporters to remain calm and peaceful throughout the process.
“I respect the court’s decision. My happiness is that His Worship has accepted that the matter be handled through the proper legal process,” he said.
He cautioned against inflammatory language or violence, stressing the importance of the rule of law. “My only prayer is that the people kindly keep calm, avoid abusive language, and do not attack anyone. In the end, the law will be respected,” he added.
Ssewungu expressed confidence in the recount, noting that whichever candidate emerges victorious would legitimately represent Kalungu West in parliament.
“If I win, I will continue representing the people. If he wins legitimately, then he will be the representative. That is how democracy works,” he said.
Ssemakula alleges electoral fraud
Ssemakula accused Electoral Commission officials and Ssewungu’s camp of orchestrating electoral fraud to deny him victory.
“The information from my polling agents shows that Mr Ssewungu’s group connected with the returning officer and presiding officers from different polling stations and gave him votes he did not get,” he alleged.
He claimed the results were manipulated to declare Ssewungu winner.
“In reality, Mr Ssewungu has no votes in the ballot boxes. The numbers used to declare him the winner were false,” Ssemakula said.
He further revealed that he had sought an administrative recount under Section 73 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, but the request was ignored.
“I complained before the announcement and even submitted a written request for a recount, but the returning officer did nothing,” he said.
Ssemakula also accused the district returning officer, whom he identified as Madam Teddy, of playing a central role in the alleged fraud and blocking efforts to conduct a recount. “She is a very big problem and participated in the fraud. That is why we had no choice but to go to court,” he asserted.
He said he was confident the recount would expose irregularities and serve as a warning for future elections. “Once the ballot boxes are opened, people will be surprised. This will be a major lesson on how votes are stolen during elections,” he said.
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