The High Court in Tororo has upheld the election of Shyam Jay Tanna as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality. The court dismissed a petition filed by his rival, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, who had challenged the results of the January 15 parliamentary election. Ofwono had alleged bribery, illegal campaign donations, violence, and electoral irregularities during the election.
Ofwono, who contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, had lost to Tanna with 4,829 votes against Tanna's 5,781 votes, a margin of 952 votes. In his petition, Ofwono accused Tanna and his supporters of distributing money, food packages, and other benefits to influence voters during the campaign period. He cited several incidents, including the distribution of campaign-branded packages and monetary contributions to various groups and individuals.
The petitioner specifically mentioned the distribution of campaign-branded packages containing household items and 10,000 Shillings at Agururu B1, a one million Shillings contribution at the burial of Owino Stephen in Mudakori Village, and alleged donations of 150,000 Shillings and plastic chairs to Nyangole Church. Ofwono also accused Tanna of giving two million Shillings to Agururu B Parish Community Group and distributing 20,000 Shillings as transport facilitation at a campaign gathering.
Ofwono further alleged that Tanna campaigned beyond the authorised hours and that his supporters engaged in violence and intimidation, particularly during a confrontation at Chamwinula polling location on election day. However, in a judgment delivered on October 30, 2026, Justice Rosemary N. Bareebe ruled that Ofwono had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Tanna personally committed electoral offences or authorised other people to engage in misconduct on his behalf.
The judge found that although some of the incidents occurred, the evidence did not establish the necessary connection between the alleged misconduct and Tanna. On the distribution of Christmas packages, the judge acknowledged that campaign-branded bags had been distributed to women but found that the people responsible had not been reliably identified or linked to Tanna.
The court concluded that although political campaigning took place alongside a funeral contribution, there was no sufficient evidence that the 1 million shillings was given to voters to influence their electoral choices. Justice Bareebe's ruling has effectively cleared the way for Tanna to retain his seat as the Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.
The court's decision brings closure to the electoral dispute, allowing Tanna to continue representing his constituents. The judgment was delivered after careful consideration of the evidence presented by both parties. Key issues, such as the alleged distribution of campaign materials and monetary contributions, were thoroughly examined.
Key points
- The High Court in Tororo has upheld Shyam Jay Tanna's election as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.
- The court dismissed a petition by Apollo Yeri Ofwono, who had alleged bribery, illegal campaign donations, violence, and electoral irregularities.
- Justice Rosemary N. Bareebe ruled that Ofwono had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Tanna personally committed electoral offences.
