An independent candidate in the Kitagwenda District Woman Member of Parliament race, Dr. Grace Ninsiima, has petitioned the High Court in Fort Portal challenging the election results that declared incumbent Dorothy Nyakato Nzibonera of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the winner in the January 15 general elections.
In her petition, Dr. Ninsiima alleges that the election was marred by multiple irregularities, including voter bribery, disenfranchisement, ballot stuffing, intimidation, and violence.
According to the Electoral Commission’s official results, Nzibonera secured 31,218 votes (64.1%), defeating Dr. Ninsiima who garnered 17,483 votes (35.9%).
However, Dr. Ninsiima contends that the results did not reflect the true will of the voters. “I believe the election was not conducted in a free and fair manner. There were several irregularities including voter bribery, intimidation, and cases where some voters were denied the opportunity to vote,” she told Nile Post on Wednesday.
She further alleged non-compliance with electoral laws by her opponent’s camp during the electoral process. Earlier in February, Dr. Ninsiima accused the Kitagwenda District NRM Chairperson, Nathan Musana, of colluding with the incumbent MP, who is his sister, to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the NRM candidate.
“We witnessed clear attempts to influence the outcome of the election. That is why I have decided to seek justice through the courts,” Dr. Ninsiima added.
In her petition, she is asking the High Court to review the electoral process and the declaration of results made by the Electoral Commission.
The Fort Portal High Court is expected to hear the petition and determine whether the election of the Kitagwenda District Woman Member of Parliament was conducted in accordance with the law.