The High Court in Rukungiri has set December 16, 2026, for delivery of judgment in an election petition filed by People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) candidate Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti, challenging the election of Gen. Henry Tumukunde as Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality.
Turinawe had cited discrepancies in the results from the polling stations as part of her challenge to Tumukunde’s election. She also accused Tumukunde of bribing voters by distributing solar equipment during the election period and campaigning outside the schedule set by the Electoral Commission.
Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire set the judgment date on Thursday, October 8, following the conclusion of a three-day hearing that commenced on October 6.
During the final day of the hearing, Turinawe’s legal team cross-examined witnesses presented by both Tumukunde and the Electoral Commission. Those cross-examined included
Tumukunde, his son Philip Ndamira Tumukunde, Rukungiri District Police Commander Brian Ampeire, the district Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Abas Namara, Hillary Beinomugisha and Mackline Musiimenta, among others.
During cross-examination, Tumukunde denied allegations that he tampered with declaration of results forms at several polling stations, including Rukondo Church of Uganda, Kitimba Primary School A in Kinyabushija and Marumba Health Centre II.
Tumukunde also denied allegations that he distributed solar equipment during the election period and campaigned outside the schedule set by the Electoral Commission.
Meanwhile, Returning Officer Abas Namara told the court that the election had been conducted in accordance with the law and that he was unaware of any irregularities. However, under cross-examination, he acknowledged discrepancies in the records from three polling stations.
At Kitimba Primary School A polling station in Kinyabushija, Namara admitted that 158 voters were recorded as having voted in the Woman Member of Parliament election, compared with 205 recorded in the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary election. The figures reflected a difference of 47 voters, despite both elections having been conducted on the same day.
At Marumba Health Centre II polling station, Namara admitted that records showed 175 ballot papers had been placed in the ballot box before voting. Of these, 174 were reportedly used, meaning one ballot paper should have remained unused. However, Electoral Commission records indicated that 125 ballot papers were unused.
At Rukondo Church of Uganda polling station, Namara also acknowledged a discrepancy in the results, with 248 voters recorded as having voted, despite the voters’ register containing only 161 registered voters. Justice Wabwire is expected to deliver his judgment on December 16, 2026.