By Johnson Kanyesige
The Hoima Chief Magistrate’s Court is today set deliver its ruling in the contested National Female Youth Member of Parliament election petition.
Chief Magistrate George Kunihira set the date to rule on an application filed by NRM’s Diana Kampe, who is challenging the election of Mercy Kanyesigye.
Kanyesigye, who contested as an independent candidate, was declared winner by the Electoral Commission after polling 216 votes in the election held at Hoima City Stadium. Kampe came second with 198 votes.
Other candidates in the race included Julia Muhumuza (independent), who garnered 24 votes, and Edith Namande Nakaiza of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received one vote.
Following the declaration of results, Kampe filed an application seeking a vote recount, arguing that some votes were wrongly attributed to Kanyesigye.
However, Kanyesigye’s lawyer, Asuman Basalirwa, told court that the defence had presented sufficient evidence to prove that his client genuinely won the election.
He added that the defence sought to rely on video evidence, noting that the voting process was broadcast live by several media houses.
He questioned the basis of the challenge, arguing that if votes were allegedly misattributed, the live footage should clearly show otherwise.
Court will now determine whether the results should stand or whether Kampe’s application has merit.
Several youth leaders from across the country have already appealed Court to uphold the victory of Mercy Kanyesigye, as the National Female Youth Member of Parliament–elect, arguing that the election was free, transparent, and conclusively decided.
