Delivering his ruling on Tuesday in a packed courtroom filled largely with Kaggwa’s supporters, Matyama held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear a vote recount petition arising from a local government election.
The Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court has rejected an election petition lodged by Hudson Robinson Kiyaga, who sought to overturn the victory of his rival, Mike Kaggwa, in the Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council chairperson race.
Kiyaga, the incumbent chairperson and a flag bearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), petitioned the court for a vote recount after losing the election by a slim margin of seven votes to NRM leaning independent candidate Kaggwa.
Official results announced by Mukono District Returning Officer Emily Amongin showed that Kaggwa polled 2,197 votes, while Kiyaga received 2,190 in what was described as a closely contested contest.
In the proceedings, Kaggwa, listed as the first respondent, was represented by lawyer John Nalera. The second respondent, the Electoral Commission, was represented by Apio Katende, while Kiyaga was represented by counsel Benon Sseryazi.
Before the substantive hearing could commence, Chief Magistrate Paul Matyama directed Kiyaga, through his lawyer, to submit additional arguments establishing that the court had the legal authority to determine the matter.
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday in a packed courtroom filled largely with Kaggwa’s supporters, Matyama held that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear a vote recount petition arising from a local government election.
Lubaga Cathedral Becomes Unlikely Battleground: Faith and Dissent Collide Over Besigye Prayers
He explained that Section 74 of the Parliamentary Elections Act—the provision relied upon by the applicant—applies to parliamentary elections and not to local government polls.
The magistrate consequently dismissed the petition, awarding costs to Kaggwa, the first respondent.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Kaggwa expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying the court’s decision upheld the electorate’s choice.
“Kiyaga has been a leader for the last 30 years. The same people who have been voting for him decided this time to vote for another person. It is prudent that he allows their decision to stand, even when it is not in his favour,” Kaggwa said.
Kaggwa, 35, has been serving as councillor for Bugoye Parish at Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council. Kiyaga previously represented Ntenjeru sub-county at the district council for five years before rising to the position of town council chairperson, which he has held for two consecutive terms.
Ugandan Housemaid Faces Execution in Syria After Allegedly Confessing to Employer’s Killing
