At least 30 parliamentary election petitions have been filed following Uganda’s January 15, 2026 general elections, highlighting growing disputes over declared outcomes across the country.
The cases, now before various High court circuits, challenge winning candidates, election procedures and the conduct of Electoral Commission (EC) officials. The EC is listed as a respondent in all the petitions.
According to the EC status report dated March 25, 2026, petitions have been filed in several court circuits, including Masaka, Soroti, Moroto, Luwero, Mbarara, Iganga, Kumi, Pader, Tororo, Fort Portal, Hoima, Mukono and Lira.
Among the notable cases is a petition filed by Mawokota North MP Hillary Innocent Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr Hilderman of the National Unity Platform (NUP), challenging the victory of former Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde.
The EC is also named as a respondent. In western Uganda, incumbent MP Mwesigwa Robert Rukaari has petitioned the High court in Mbarara, challenging the victory of businessman Christopher Bakashaba.
In eastern Uganda, Sarah Opendi Achieng is contesting the election of Angella Akoth in a petition filed before the High court in Tororo, with the EC listed as co-respondent.
Similarly, Birungi Kobusingye has filed a petition against NUP’s Harriet Nakwedde over the Kayunga District Woman MP results in a case before the High court in Mukono. In the Masaka circuit, Rose Nalubowa is challenging the victory of NRM’s Justine Nameere as Masaka City Woman MP, while Muwonge Nkoko is contesting the election of Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju Dionizia.
Other petitions include Grace Nalubega challenging Ruth Katushabe’s victory in Bukomansimbi District and Mary Begumisa contesting Florence Nambazira’s win in Ssembabule district.
State minister Esther Davinia Anyakun’s victory is also being challenged by Lilly Lapowa in the Moroto High court. Electoral Commission litigation head Eric Sabiiti said the number of petitions remains relatively modest compared to previous election cycles.
“We have so far received 30 election petitions, and 24 of these are from candidates challenging the victories of Women representatives to parliament,” Sabiiti said.
He explained that most of the petitions relate to Women representatives, who were gazetted earlier than directly elected MPs.
“The women were gazetted earlier than the directly elected members of parliament, and petitions are filed within 30 days after gazettement. That window has now closed for the Women representatives,” he said.
Sabiiti added that candidates for directly elected MP positions still have time to file petitions.
“For directly elected members of parliament who were gazetted on March 2, the window will close on April 2,” he noted.
He attributed the relatively low number of petitions to what he described as a largely free and fair electoral process. However, a source within the justice system, who declined to be named, said the fewer petitions could also reflect declining public confidence in the judiciary.
Several constituencies have attracted more than one petition, indicating closely contested races and lingering dissatisfaction with results. Masaka and Moroto High court circuits are handling a significant portion of the cases, with Iganga and Lira also managing multiple petitions.
Key issues raised in the petitions include alleged electoral malpractice, disputes over vote tallying, candidate nomination disputes and accusations of irregularities involving returning officers.
Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the High court is required to determine parliamentary election petitions within strict timelines, usually within 30 days after parties complete filing responses.
Most petitioners are seeking fresh by-elections, while others want courts to nullify the results and declare them winners. Judiciary public relations officer James Ereemye Mawanda said guidance on hearing schedules will be issued by the principal judge after the close of the pleading period.
Following the 2021 general elections, the Judiciary registered 160 petitions at parliamentary and local council levels, including 102 against members of parliament and 49 against Local Council chairpersons.
About the Author
