The High Court in Masaka has upheld the election of Justine Nameere as the Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City, dismissing an election petition filed by National Unity Platform—NUP candidate, Rose Nalubowa challenging her victory.
Delivering the judgment electronically today, Justice Bernard Namanya ruled that Nalubowa failed to prove that the recount figures were erroneous, and ordered her to pay all legal costs of the petition.
The legal battle stems from the January 15 election, where Nalubowa was initially declared the winner with 25,443 votes against Nameere’s 20,324.
However, following a court-ordered recount of 314 ballot boxes led by Chief Magistrate Albert Asiimwe, Nameere emerged victorious with 25,502 votes against Nalubowa’s 23,176 votes.
Nalubowa petitioned the High Court, alleging procedural irregularities, compromised ballot boxes, and the illegal exclusion of nine polling stations.
In his judgment, Justice Namanya acknowledged that the recount was conducted in non-compliance with electoral laws due to compromised ballot box integrity.
However, the judge held that Nalubowa failed the substantiality test. The court calculated that even if all 1,353 votes from the excluded polling stations were added to Nalubowa’s tally, Nameere would still retain a clear lead of 973 votes.
The judge declared that the court could not overturn the election because the ultimate math showed the result was unaffected.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, Justine Nameere’s lead lawyer, Counsel Sam Ssekyewa, warmly welcomed the court’s decision.
He stated that justice has prevailed because the court based its judgment on the true mathematical reality and protected the valid will of the voters of Masaka City.
By Nashumbusha Joshua.
