Chaos erupted at the Hoima High Court in Uganda on Friday as supporters of rival candidates, Asinansi Nyakato and Diana Jane Mugenyi, clashed with security personnel. The confrontation occurred during the hearing of an election petition filed by Mugenyi, who is challenging Nyakato's victory in the January 15, 2026 parliamentary election. The petition alleges widespread electoral irregularities, including bribery, voter manipulation, and ballot stuffing.
Nyakato, a candidate of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was declared the winner with 17,142 votes, while Mugenyi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) garnered 15,197 votes, a margin of 1,945 votes. However, Mugenyi claims that numerous irregularities occurred during the election, citing several polling stations where ballot papers were allegedly tampered with, and declaration of results forms were not properly signed. These allegations have led to a heated dispute over the legitimacy of Nyakato's victory.
The contested polling stations include St Mary’s Primary School, Sir Tito Winyi, Hoima Boma polling station, and others. Mugenyi's petition also accuses Nyakato and her agents of bribing voters and engaging in voter manipulation, which allegedly affected the election's outcome. The petition hearing began on Thursday, but tensions escalated on Friday as hundreds of supporters gathered at the court premises, leading to a confrontation with security personnel.
The situation nearly degenerated into a physical confrontation, prompting anti-riot police and other security personnel to intervene and disperse the supporters from the court premises. Some supporters resisted police orders, leading to further commotion at the court gate. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Regional Police spokesperson, stated that police intervened to restore order and prevent acts of hooliganism at the court premises.
Hakiza questioned why the two candidates had mobilised hundreds of supporters to the court, and warned that security would maintain a heavy presence at the court until the proceedings are concluded. He also appealed to members of the public to respect the court and allow the proceedings to continue without disruption. The court's decision on Mugenyi's petition is yet to be announced.
The clashes at the Hoima High Court highlight the intense rivalry and tensions surrounding the election. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and disruptions during the electoral process. As the court proceedings continue, security personnel will likely remain on high alert to prevent any further incidents.
The outcome of the petition hearing could have significant implications for the parliamentary election in Hoima City. If the court rules in favour of Mugenyi, it could potentially nullify Nyakato's victory and lead to a re-run of the election. Conversely, if Nyakato's victory is upheld, it could reinforce her position as the elected representative for the area.
Key points
- The clashes at the Hoima High Court were triggered by a petition filed by Diana Jane Mugenyi, who alleges widespread electoral irregularities during the January 15, 2026 parliamentary election.
- The petition hearing has been marked by tensions between supporters of Asinansi Nyakato and Mugenyi, with security personnel intervening to prevent further confrontations.
- The court's decision on Mugenyi's petition could have significant implications for the parliamentary election in Hoima City, potentially leading to a re-run of the election or reinforcing Nyakato's victory.
