FORT PORTAL, UGANDA - The High Court in Fort Portal has affirmed Dorothy Nyakato as the legitimately elected Woman Member of Parliament for Kitagwenda District, bringing an end to a closely watched electoral petition filed by her challenger, Grace Ninsiima.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, November 9, 2026, Justice Joanita Bushara dismissed Ninsiima's petition in its entirety, stating that the petitioner had not presented sufficient evidence to prove that Nyakato was personally involved in any electoral malpractice or that such offenses were committed with her knowledge, consent, or approval.

Petition Allegations

Ninsiima had sought to overturn Nyakato's victory, citing a litany of irregularities including errors in the declaration of results forms, premature closure of polling stations, unauthorized voting, personation, ballot stuffing, interference with her agents, and voter intimidation. She also asked the court to declare her the rightful winner of the race.

However, Justice Bushara rejected that request, noting that Ninsiima failed to provide a station-by-station recalculation, an alternative tally, the number of voters allegedly excluded, or any evidence of how those affected voters would have cast their ballots.

Election Results

According to the Electoral Commission, Nyakato won the January 15 general elections with 31,218 votes, while Ninsiima garnered 17,483 votes, giving Nyakato a comfortable margin of 13,735 votes. The results were initially contested by Ninsiima, leading to the petition.

The judgment brings clarity to the political landscape in Kitagwenda District and reaffirms the integrity of the electoral process, barring any further appeals. Nyakato's supporters have welcomed the ruling, while Ninsiima's camp has yet to comment on the outcome.

This case highlights the importance of presenting concrete evidence when challenging election results, as courts continue to uphold the principle that allegations of electoral malpractice must be substantiated with credible proof.

Compiled by Farooq Kasule, Barbara Kabahumuza & Hillary Abinsinguza