Tayari News | Gideon Tumwijukye
KABALE – The High Court sitting at the Kabale High Court Circuit has adjourned the hearing of an election petition challenging the January 15th, 2026 parliamentary election results for Bukimbiri County in Kisoro District to November 13th, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
The petition was filed by Asigario Turyagyenda, who contested the Bukimbiri County parliamentary seat on the National Resistance Movement, NRM, ticket, challenging the victory of independent candidate Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu.
According to the officially declared results, Wagahungu won the election with 14,761 votes, followed by Turyagyenda with 12,553 votes, while Forum for Democratic Change, FDC, candidate James Owebeyi came third with 102 votes.
The petitioner is asking court to examine alleged irregularities surrounding the conduct of the election and the circumstances under which the results were declared.
The case first came before the Kabale High Court Circuit at Kikungiri Hill in Kabale District on September 16th, 2026, under visiting High Court Judge Justice Dr. Farouq Lubega, before it was adjourned to today’s session.
However, the court again adjourned the matter to November 13th, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Turyagyenda, who attended court with his witnesses, said he sought court intervention because of alleged irregularities during the election.
Turyagyenda alleged that some of his election agents were harassed and beaten on election day at polling stations, including Iremera Health Centre and Kijuguta polling station.
He also accused some individuals of engaging in voter bribery, which he believes undermined the fairness of the electoral process.
“Some of my agents were harassed and beaten on election day, including at Iremera Health Centre and Kijuguta polling station. I decided to come to court because I want these alleged irregularities to be examined and justice to be done.”
Meanwhile, Jude Byamukama, the lead lawyer representing Turyagyenda, accused the declared winner of committing electoral offences.
Byamukama said he was optimistic that the petition would succeed, adding that he expected court to nullify the election if the allegations were proved.
“We are optimistic that our client will get justice through this petition. We believe the alleged electoral offences should be examined by court, and we expect the election to be nullified if the evidence supports our case.”
However, Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, whose victory is being challenged, dismissed the allegations raised by the petitioner.
Wagahungu claimed that the affidavits presented by Turyagyenda contained falsehoods and maintained that his victory was by God’s power.
“The affidavits presented by the petitioner are full of falsehoods. My victory is by God’s power, and I am confident in the outcome of the election.”