The Mukono Grade One Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a vote recount application filed by former State Minister for Water, Ronald Kibuule, against NUP’s Abdallah Kiwanuka Mulimamayuni and the Electoral Commission.
The case, presided over by His Worship Paul Matyama, challenged the results of the Mukono North parliamentary race.
Kibuule, through Bukenya, Chemonges & Company Advocates, alleged that the vote tallying process was riddled with irregularities that materially affected the outcome.
In a supporting affidavit, he claimed that his polling agents were denied a fair opportunity to verify ballot papers at some stations and that the Returning Officer failed to tally results from all polling stations, citing Global Paper polling station as an example.
He asked the court to direct the Electoral Commission to produce all ballot boxes, tally sheets, and related election materials to facilitate a recount.
The petition also argued that the declared margin of victory was narrow, making a recount necessary to establish accurate results.
The court, however, found that the evidence presented was not substantive enough to justify a recount and noted that the petition did not adhere to the legally required four-day timeline for such matters.
“I welcome the decision of the court because the application had no merit. I defeated Mr. Kibuule by a clear margin of 3,814 votes, and there was no justification for a recount,” Kiwanuka said, speaking after the ruling.
The court advised both parties to bear their own costs. Kiwanuka said he had sought costs against Kibuule, citing harassment and intimidation of his supporters during the campaign.
He also suggested that President Museveni consider appointing Kibuule as a Resident District Commissioner in another district, claiming that voters in Mukono North rejected him due to his conduct.
