The petitioner further alleges that at St. Raphael Primary School Bulinda “B” (N–Z), Kibirige’s votes were increased from 71 to 271, which he also claims exceeded the total votes cast.
A former candidate for the Kalisizo Town Council LC5 councillor seat in Kyotera District has petitioned the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kyotera, seeking to overturn the election of the declared winner over alleged vote alterations and other electoral irregularities.
Sebastian Kimera is challenging the election of Hassan Kibirige as the LC5 district councillor representing Kalisizo Town Council following the Local Council elections held on January 22, 2026.
In his petition, Kimera, who was one of three candidates in the race, argues that the Electoral Commission failed to conduct the election in accordance with the law and that irregularities by election officials substantially affected the outcome.
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According to the court documents, Kibirige was declared the winner before the Electoral Commission published the official results in the Uganda Gazette on May 8, 2026. Kimera says the declared margin of victory was 149 votes, a result he now disputes.
Kimera alleges that results from three polling stations at St. Raphael Primary School Bulinda were unlawfully altered in Kibirige’s favour.
He claims that at St. Raphael Primary School Bulinda “B” (A–M), Kibirige’s tally was changed from 40 votes to 140 votes, a figure Kimera says exceeded the total number of votes cast at the polling station.
The petitioner further alleges that at St. Raphael Primary School Bulinda “B” (N–Z), Kibirige’s votes were increased from 71 to 271, which he also claims exceeded the total votes cast.
At St. Raphael Primary School Bulinda “A” (NAL–Z), Kimera contends that Kibirige’s tally was altered from 58 votes to 88 votes.
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Kimera argues that the alleged alterations constitute material irregularities and illegal practices that significantly influenced the election outcome. He also accuses the Electoral Commission of failing to ensure a free and fair electoral process, holding it responsible for the actions of its polling officials.
Through his lawyers, Kawanga & Kasule Advocates, Kimera is asking the court to declare him the duly elected LC5 district councillor for Kalisizo Town Council, arguing that he secured 1,410 valid votes.
He is also seeking an order nullifying Kibirige’s election, an award of the costs of the petition, and any other relief the court may deem appropriate.
Court documents show that both Kibirige and the Electoral Commission have been directed to file their responses within 10 days of being served. If they fail to respond within the prescribed period, the court may proceed to hear and determine the petition in their absence.
The petitioner’s allegations remain untested in court. As of the time of publication, the respondents, Kibirige and the Electoral Commission, had not filed their responses.
