Uganda High Court: Nanyondo Katushabe Bukomansimbi MP Election Petition Hearing Proceeds

• The High Court in Masaka has scheduled a three-day hearing for an election petition challenging Ruth Katushabe's victory as Bukomansimbi Woman MP.
• Former candidate Veronica Nanyondo alleges electoral interference by Katushabe and election officials.
• Justice Rosette Kania declined an application by Katushabe's lawyers to dismiss the petition, ruling that Nanyondo's supporting affidavit was already admitted.
• The hearing is set for September 23, 24, and 25, 2026, to allow both parties to present evidence and arguments.
• Nanyondo expressed confidence that the court will examine her allegations on their merits and deliver justice.

The decision to proceed with the substantive hearing was made by High Court Judge Rosette Kania, who declined an application from Katushabe's legal team to dismiss the petition.

The High Court in Masaka has scheduled a three-day hearing for the election petition filed by Veronica Nanyondo, a former candidate for Bukomansimbi Woman Member of Parliament. The proceedings, set for September 23, 24, and 25, 2026, will address Nanyondo's challenge against the declared victory of Ruth Katushabe in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. This development marks a significant step in the Nanyondo Katushabe Bukomansimbi MP election petition hearing, which seeks to overturn the election results.

The decision to proceed with the substantive hearing was made by High Court Judge Rosette Kania, who declined an application from Katushabe's legal team to dismiss the petition. Represented by lawyer Geoffrey Kandeebe, Katushabe's defense had sought to have the case thrown out, primarily arguing that Nanyondo had failed to adequately address or comply with the procedural requirements pertaining to the affidavit supporting her petition. They contended that the petition should not advance given the alleged deficiencies in the affidavit.

However, Justice Kania informed both parties that the affidavit in question, which Nanyondo relied upon, had already been formally admitted into the court record. This ruling paved the way for the full hearing, signaling the court's intent to delve into the merits of the allegations rather than dismissing the case on procedural grounds related to the Uganda High Court election disputes 2026.

Nanyondo expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to allow her petition to advance to a full hearing, stating that it instills confidence that her allegations will be thoroughly examined and decided based on their merits. She affirmed that her legal team is fully prepared to present evidence to substantiate the claims against Katushabe, expressing optimism for a favorable outcome once the court reviews all presented evidence. Nanyondo further asserted that the respondents possess insufficient evidence to mount an effective defense against the claims outlined in her petition.

The upcoming three-day hearing is designed to provide both parties with ample opportunity to present their respective evidence and arguments before the court. This will enable Justice Rosette Kania to determine whether the allegations raised by Nanyondo hold merit, ultimately deciding the fate of the Ruth Katushabe Woman MP petition Masaka. Nanyondo awaits the hearing dates, confident that the court will deliver justice and resolve the dispute based on the evidence presented.

Lawyers and compliance officers involved in Ugandan election law should note the Masaka High Court's decision to proceed with this petition despite procedural challenges, indicating a willingness to hear substantive arguments over technical dismissals. This case provides insight into the ongoing litigation risks for elected officials and the judicial approach to election-related affidavits.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post