Uganda High Court: Sets Aside Parliamentary Election Over Disenfranchisement

In Uganda, on October 26, 2026, the High Court, in the case of Kirumira Henry Harris Kalule v Saazi Godfrey and Others (Election Petition 3 of 2026), set aside a parliamentary election after finding substantial disenfranchisement caused by omitted and destroyed polling station results.

This ruling carries profound legal significance for electoral jurisprudence and democratic governance in Uganda. It unequivocally reaffirms the judiciary's critical role in safeguarding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. By nullifying the election, the High Court sent a clear message that irregularities which substantially impact voter rights and the overall outcome will not be tolerated, thereby upholding the principle of free and fair elections. This decision serves as a powerful precedent for future election petitions, emphasizing the importance of transparent and accurate electoral administration.

The legal context for this judgment is primarily found within Uganda's electoral laws, including the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Electoral Commission Act, which govern the conduct of elections and provide grounds for challenging results. A key legal principle in such petitions is whether the alleged irregularities had a