The election of Kyotera District Chairperson-elect Peter Asiimwe Ssasira has been challenged in court over allegations that he irregularly changed his names before contesting for office.
The petition comes at a time when newly elected local government leaders across the country are taking oath and preparing to begin their new terms in office.
Asiimwe Ssasira, who contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, was declared the winner of the Kyotera District chairperson race after polling 25,503 votes. His closest rival, Charles Lwanga Kirumira of the National Unity Platform (NUP), garnered 17,866 votes, while independent candidate Baker Kalega finished third with 5,810 votes.
However, Kirumira, through his lawyer Derrick Matovu of Jude Mbabaali & Co. Advocates, has filed a petition before the High Court in Masaka challenging the validity of Ssasira's election.
According to Matovu, the dispute stems from the respondent's alleged change of names from "Ssasira Peter" to "Asiimwe Ssasira Peter," which he claims was done without following the legally required procedures.
"Our client contends that the respondent altered his names without complying with the mandatory legal requirements, including proper declaration and gazettement procedures. We believe this raises serious questions about the validity of his nomination and eventual election," Matovu told journalists outside court.
Matovu argued that the matter goes beyond a mere change of names and touches on compliance with electoral laws and transparency in public leadership.
"Leadership must be founded on legality and accountability. The court will determine whether all legal requirements were observed before the candidate was allowed to contest for office," he added.
Kirumira maintains that the people of Kyotera did not vote for a candidate whose identity was properly presented in accordance with the law and has asked the court to nullify Ssasira's election.
In his petition, Kirumira seeks orders cancelling the election results and declaring him the duly elected Chairperson of Kyotera District.
"The voters of Kyotera deserve leadership elected through a transparent and lawful process. We have confidence that the court will thoroughly examine the facts and deliver justice," Kirumira said.
Despite the legal challenge, Kirumira called upon residents of Kyotera to remain calm and united as the court process unfolds.
"This case should not divide our people. I urge all residents of Kyotera to remain peaceful and united as we pursue justice through the courts. Together, we can continue working for the development of our district," he said.
The case is expected to attract significant public interest as it could determine the future leadership of Kyotera District.
Court officials have not yet announced a hearing date for the petition.
