In a ruling delivered on November 9, the High Court in Kitgum dismissed the election petition filed by Beatrice Anywar, the Minister of State for Water and Environment, challenging the election of Denis Onekalit Amere as the Member of Parliament for Kitgum Municipality. The court found the petition lacked merit.
Background of the Petition
Anywar had contested the January 15, 2026, parliamentary elections, where she garnered 5,013 votes against Amere's 6,176 votes. The Electoral Commission declared Amere the winner. Dissatisfied with the outcome, Anywar petitioned the court, naming Amere, the Electoral Commission, and Betty Atim Owot, the district returning officer, as respondents.
The petition alleged irregularities and sought to overturn the election results. However, after reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that the grounds presented did not warrant annulment of the results.
Court's Decision
In his ruling, the presiding judge stated that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that the election was conducted in a manner that violated electoral laws or that the irregularities, if any, substantially affected the outcome. The judge therefore dismissed the petition with no order as to costs, meaning each party will bear its own costs.
This decision affirms Amere's victory and allows him to continue serving as the representative of Kitgum Municipality. Anywar, who also serves as Minister of State for Water and Environment, has not yet indicated whether she will appeal the ruling.
Reactions
Supporters of Amere welcomed the court's decision, saying it confirms the will of the people. Anywar's camp has remained tight-lipped, but political analysts suggest the ruling could have implications for her political future.
The dismissal of the petition brings to a close a contentious electoral dispute that has gripped Kitgum Municipality for months. It also underscores the judiciary's role in resolving electoral disputes and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
