The High Court in Iganga has dismissed a petition challenging the election of Benard Mutebi Mugoya as Member of Parliament for Bulamogi County, thereby upholding his victory in the January 2026 general elections.
Justice Patience Rubagumya delivered the ruling on November 9, 2026, stating that the petitioner, Sanon Bwiire Nadeeba, had failed to prove any of the grounds required under Section 80(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act to annul the election.
Nadeeba had contested Mugoya's academic qualifications, alleging discrepancies in names and dates of birth on his documents, and questioned the duration of Mugoya's National Certificate in Information and Communication Technology course. He also claimed that election results were altered and cited several electoral offences. Mugoya and the Electoral Commission were named as respondents in the petition.
According to the court, Mugoya was declared the winner with 29,268 votes against Nadeeba's 21,498, a margin of 7,770 votes. Justice Rubagumya found that the evidence presented did not meet the legal threshold to invalidate the election.
She awarded costs of the petition to Mugoya and the Electoral Commission.
The ruling brings to an end a months-long legal battle over the Bulamogi County parliamentary seat. It also reinforces the importance of presenting credible evidence when challenging election outcomes, as courts require strict proof of irregularities that could affect the result.
Supporters of the MP welcomed the decision, while the petitioner's side has not yet indicated whether they will appeal. The judgment underscores the judiciary's role in resolving electoral disputes and ensuring that the will of the voters is respected when petitions lack merit.
