The political future of Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere is uncertain as a court battle over her election victory is set to enter its substantive hearing on September 22, 2026. The hearing will determine if Nameere can retain her parliamentary seat if the High Court finds that the recount that declared her winner was unlawful.
Former Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda has challenged Nameere's victory, arguing that she did not genuinely win the Masaka City Woman MP race. Kabanda has expressed confidence that Nameere could be removed from Parliament through an election petition, calling for a by-election to allow the people of Masaka City to choose their representative.
The legal challenge was filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Rose Nalubowa, who was initially declared the winner of the January 2026 election. The Electoral Commission announced Nalubowa with 25,443 votes against Nameere's 20,324. However, a recount supervised by Masaka Chief Magistrate Albert Asiimwe dramatically altered the outcome, declaring Nameere the winner with 25,502 votes.
Nalubowa has taken the dispute to the High Court, challenging the recount and arguing that the process was irregular. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing, placing Nameere's parliamentary position under renewed legal scrutiny. The development makes September a potentially consequential month for Nameere's political career.
Nameere is also facing mounting political pressure from figures associated with PLU, including a public confrontation with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Muhoozi recently warned that Nameere could be removed from Cabinet if her conduct continued to raise concerns, and later demanded an apology from the minister.
PLU has reportedly identified Sarah Kiyimba as a possible candidate to carry the party's mantle should a by-election be triggered. However, this remains a political plan and does not mean that a by-election has been ordered. For now, Nameere remains the legally recognised Masaka City Woman MP.
The outcome of the court case will determine the political landscape in Masaka City. If the court upholds the challenge against the recount, a by-election could be triggered, opening a new contest for the seat. Until the court delivers its ruling, any claim that Nameere has already lost her seat remains premature.
Key points
- The court battle over Justine Nameere's election victory will enter its substantive hearing on September 22, 2026.
- Nameere faces pressure from figures associated with PLU, including Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
- A by-election could be triggered if the court finds that the recount that declared Nameere the winner was unlawful.
