Mawogola North Member of Parliament Aine Godfrey Kaguta, known as Sodo, and his election challenger Jet John Tumwebaze Ndamagi have rejected a court proposal for mediation in their election dispute. The proposal was made by Justice Bernard Namanya during a High Court hearing on Tuesday. The dispute arose from the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections, which Kaguta won. Tumwebaze has petitioned the court to nullify Kaguta's election, citing alleged electoral malpractices and issues with Kaguta's academic qualifications.
Tumwebaze alleges that Kaguta did not possess the required academic documents, including Primary Leaving Examination, Uganda Certificate of Education, and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education, at the time of his nomination. He also accuses the Electoral Commission and the returning officer of acting unlawfully by accepting Kaguta's nomination without verifying his qualifications. Kaguta has denied these allegations, stating that he completed the required education and that his qualifications were verified by the Uganda National Examinations Board.
The petitioner also alleges that Kaguta's campaign involved armed Uganda People's Defence Forces personnel, who intimidated voters, assaulted election agents, and interfered with the voting process. Tumwebaze claims that some of his polling agents were arrested or detained, preventing them from monitoring the exercise. He cites specific areas, including Kyolola Trading Centre and Rwekishugi C.O.U., where irregularities occurred. Additionally, Tumwebaze alleges that voters were bribed with money, drinks, and other benefits in exchange for supporting Kaguta.
Kaguta has strongly disputed all allegations of electoral malpractice, maintaining that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that his victory reflected the genuine will of the electorate. His lawyers have raised a preliminary legal objection, arguing that challenges to his academic qualifications should have been pursued before polling, not through an election petition filed after the declaration of results.
Justice Namanya had suggested that the parties explore Alternative Dispute Resolution, but both Kaguta and Tumwebaze insisted that the matter should proceed to a full trial. Tumwebaze argued that reconciliation would be premature given the alleged violence and intimidation during the election. He cited incidents of assault, detention, and injury to his supporters and election coordinators in various parts of Mawogola North.
EC Lawyer Eric Sabiiti stated that the Electoral Commission had evidence demonstrating that Kaguta completed the required studies. He added that the Electoral Commission was open to mediation, although Kaguta was not interested. The court has directed the parties to file their replies to new affidavits and prepare for a four-day hearing from November 24 to 27, 2026.
The court proceedings have established that the dispute will be resolved through a full trial. The petitioner's allegations of electoral malpractices and issues with Kaguta's academic qualifications will be examined in court. The outcome of the trial will determine the legitimacy of Kaguta's election as Mawogola North MP.
Key points
- The petitioner, Tumwebaze, alleges that Kaguta's election was marred by electoral malpractices and issues with his academic qualifications.
- Kaguta has denied all allegations, stating that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that his victory reflected the genuine will of the electorate.
- The court has scheduled a four-day hearing from November 24 to 27, 2026, to examine the allegations and determine the legitimacy of Kaguta's election.
