Filed on April 2, 2026, the petition signals what Ssonko’s camp describes as a determined effort to “defend the will of the people” in Mukono Municipality.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke is facing renewed legal scrutiny after the High Court ordered her to respond to an election petition challenging her victory.
The petition was filed by her former rival, Dr. Daisy Sarah Nabatanzi Ssonko, who is contesting the outcome of the recent parliamentary race.
According to a notice issued by the High Court under Election Petition No. 004 of 2026, both Nambooze and the Electoral Commission have been named as respondents in the case.
The court has directed the respondents to file their defense within ten days of receiving the petition. Failure to comply could see the case proceed in their absence.
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Filed on March 31, 2026, the petition signals what Ssonko’s camp describes as a determined effort to “defend the will of the people” in Mukono Municipality.
Although full details of the petition have not yet been made public, sources close to the petitioner indicate that it raises concerns about the conduct of the election, including alleged bribery, violence, and lack of transparency.
In the declared results, Nambooze, contesting under the National Unity Platform (NUP), polled 27,070 votes. She was followed by Daisy Ssonko of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) with 6,683 votes, Hanifah Nabukeera Hussein (Independent) with 4,911 votes, George Fred Kagimu (DP) with 5,005 votes, and Rev. Peter Mukasa Bakaluba (Independent) with 4,225 votes. Other candidates garnered fewer votes.
Ssonko, a considered rising political figure in Mukono, is reportedly confident that the court process will deliver clarity and justice. Her supporters argue that the petition is not only about overturning the results but also about restoring public trust in Uganda’s electoral processes.
Legal analysts note that election petitions in Uganda often depend on whether proven irregularities significantly affected the final outcome. If the court is satisfied on this matter, it may nullify the election and order a fresh poll.
The involvement of the Electoral Commission once again draws attention to its role in ensuring free and fair elections, an issue that has faced repeated public scrutiny in past electoral cycles.
Political observers say the Mukono petition could become a key test case, highlighting the growing role of courts in resolving electoral disputes.
As the case progresses, focus now turns to how the respondents will address the allegations within the stipulated timeframe.
The outcome of the petition is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for Mukono Municipality but also for the credibility of Uganda’s broader electoral system.
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