The High Court in Kampala is set to hear a petition filed by David Lewis Rubongoya, the former National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate, challenging the election of Minsa Kabanda Nabbengo as Kampala Central MP. Rubongoya alleges widespread electoral irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the January 15, 2026 election. The petition seeks to overturn Kabanda Nabbengo's victory over allegations including vote inflation, alteration of results, and intimidation of voters and polling agents.
According to the Electoral Commission, Kabanda Nabbengo won the election with 22,280 votes, while Rubongoya garnered 18,211 votes, a margin of 4,069 votes. However, Rubongoya disputes the result, claiming that more than 1,335 votes were improperly added in Kabanda Nabbengo's favour in several areas. He also alleges that results involving 3,586 registered voters at seven polling stations were excluded from the final tally.
The petition also alleges multiple voting, ballot stuffing, pre-ticked ballot papers, and interference with polling agents, particularly at polling stations in Kololo II, Nakasero II, and Kisenyi I. Rubongoya claims that security personnel and Kabanda Nabbengo's supporters took control of some polling stations, while the presence of security forces in restricted areas discouraged voters and agents from freely participating in or monitoring the electoral process.
Rubongoya has also challenged Kabanda Nabbengo's eligibility, citing discrepancies in her names and academic qualifications. He argues that the name under which she was nominated did not correspond with records held by the National Identification and Registration Authority. Additionally, he claims that her Advanced Level-equivalent academic certificate was obtained only 15 days before nomination and submitted on nomination day.
The Electoral Commission, through its lawyer Steven Kalali, is seeking to have parts of the petition struck out. The Commission argues that some of Rubongoya's complaints, particularly those relating to Kabanda Nabbengo's nomination, should first have been raised through the Commission's statutory pre-electoral complaints process. The hearing will be presided over by Lady Justice Flavia Nabakooza.
Rubongoya is asking the court to overturn Kabanda Nabbengo's election and declare him the rightful winner after taking the disputed results into account. Alternatively, he wants the court to order a fresh election in Kampala Central. The High Court has not yet made a determination on the substantive allegations contained in the petition.
The court's decision will have significant implications for the Kampala Central constituency and the broader electoral process in Uganda. The petition's outcome may also impact the credibility of the Electoral Commission and the country's electoral system as a whole.
Key points
- The High Court will hear a petition challenging Minsa Kabanda Nabbengo's election as Kampala Central MP.
- The petition alleges widespread electoral irregularities, including vote inflation and intimidation of voters and polling agents.
- The Electoral Commission is seeking to have parts of the petition struck out, arguing that some complaints should have been raised through the Commission's statutory pre-electoral complaints process.
