Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary candidate Daniel Kananura has withdrawn his election petition challenging the victory of National Unity Platform (NUP) MP George Musisi in Kira Municipality. Kananura filed the petition on March 31, 2026, alleging irregularities in the January 15 parliamentary election. Musisi was declared the winner with 24,898 votes, while Kananura polled 7,799 votes. Kananura attributed his election loss to security deployment ahead of the elections.
Kananura's lawyers informed the High court judge George Okello of their client's intention to withdraw the petition. The application came at a critical stage when the parties had expected the Electoral Commission's witness to testify. Kananura and Musisi had previously been cross-examined. Although Musisi and the Electoral Commission did not oppose the withdrawal, they contested Kananura's request to withdraw without paying costs incurred in defending the petition.
Lawyer Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, representing Musisi, argued that Kananura's request to withdraw without costs was unjustifiable. Nalukoola stated that Musisi had spent considerable time and money defending the petition and should not bear the expenses arising from the case. Justice Okello made a light-hearted remark, initially thinking Nalukoola was representing a fellow lawyer, and substantial costs might not arise.
Electoral Commission lawyer Patrick Wetaka also requested the court to award costs. Wetaka cited Section 84 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which requires a petitioner seeking to withdraw an election petition to obtain the court's permission and provides for the petitioner to be liable for the respondent's costs. The parties left the determination of costs to the court's discretion.
Justice Okello adjourned the matter to Wednesday, October 14, at 10 am, to deliver a ruling on whether Kananura can withdraw the petition without paying costs. Kananura attributed his withdrawal to shortcomings by his lawyers, who allegedly omitted crucial evidence and arguments, leaving the case with significant holes.
Kananura expressed disappointment that attempts to introduce additional affidavits were rejected, rendering him unable to pursue the case as intended. Musisi questioned the basis of Kananura's challenge, arguing that a candidate who did not win any polling station could not credibly claim that the election had been stolen from him.
The withdrawal of the petition brings an end to the electoral dispute between Kananura and Musisi. The court's decision on costs will be delivered on October 14. Kananura's withdrawal and subsequent statements highlight the challenges faced by candidates in Uganda's electoral process.
Key points
- Kananura withdraws election petition due to lawyer shortcomings.
- Musisi and Electoral Commission contest Kananura's withdrawal without costs.
- Court to deliver ruling on costs on October 14.
