Arua: Court dismisses petition against Wadri's victory

NALWADDA NSANGI

The High court in Arua  dismissed a petition that had been lodged by Nusura Tiperu contesting the outcome of the Arua Municiplaity by-elections lat year.

Tiperu, the former NRM candidate for Arua municipality by-election lost to Kassiano Wadri.

and tIn his ruling, justice Anthony Oyuko Ojok said the petitioner had failed to convince court that there were irregularities in handling the elections.

Ojok mentioned three determinants that the petitioner claimed contributed to her loss during the by-election: allegations of whether the by-election was conducted in compliance of electoral laws, illegal practices that contravened the parliamentary elections act and illegal and non-compliance that affected the election. He said the petitoner failed to convince court on all the three determinants.

“Some witnesses were confusing court by contradicting their testimony on the affidavit and while testifying in court," he said.

He said that the parties can file for an appeal if they feel unsatisfied by his ruling.

After the ruling, Renato Kania, who represented Kassiano Wadri in court said the petitioner’s case had witnesses that fabricated lies to pin his client and the second respondent, the Electoral Commission.

“From the time that we read the petition and after interviewing our witnesses, we knew that there was no evidence in the case. We also discovered a number of lies after cross examination," he said.

Kania said that the outcome of the petition further cements the decision of the people of Arua municipality which was made during the casting of the ballot on August 15.

Wadri was excited after the ruling, quoting the Paul’s book in the bible that says the truth shall be found.

"I would like to thank the people of Arua Municipality for the confidence that they have entrusted in me to lead them," he said.

He said Tiperu had a right to drag him to the courts of law and he never took offence.

Dennis Madira, a resident of Arua municipality said that he was happy that the divine judgment finally took place in Arua high court.

He said this was the second victory for the people of Arua Municipality after the first one in the by-election.