The National Resistance Movement party flagbearer Diana Mugenyi has filed an election petition at Hoima High Court challenging the results of the Hoima City Woman MP seat.
The petition, filed last week, alleges ballot stuffing, vote rigging, illegal procurement of voters, voter disenfranchisement, and discrepancies in declaration forms.
In the recent general election, four candidates contested the Hoima City Woman MP seat. Incumbent Asinansi Nyakato of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) won with 17,142 votes, while Mugenyi followed closely with 15,197 votes.
NUP candidate Bridget Kiiza garnered 1,062 votes, and independent candidate Silvia Nalumaga received 1,009 votes.
Through her lawyers at Rukutana Mwesigwa and Company Advocates, Mugenyi claims her victory was undermined and says she filed the petition to seek justice and provide clarity to her supporters.
“I went to Court to look for justice because my vote or my victory was stolen. People who voted for me are asking me about what happened, and I felt it right that the court provides answers,” Mugenyi told reporters.
She emphasized her popularity on the ground during the election, stating that polls consistently ranked her first and that she enjoyed overwhelming support.
Mugenyi said she conducted research prior to filing the petition, and her findings prompted her legal challenge.
“The people who voted for me are seeking justice. It is true that the election was rigged; however, justice must prevail. My prayers will be heard in court, but the will of the people is paramount,” she added.
In response, Asinansi Nyakato, the declared winner, confirmed that her legal team has filed a defense and is prepared for the court proceedings.
“My legal team has already filed a defense regarding the petition by Princess Diana Mugenyi alleging that the election was not free and fair. We await the court process,” Nyakato said.
Nyakato also urged Mugenyi to avoid intimidating her supporters or involving police against individuals who did not vote for her.
“I call upon the petitioner to be calm, stop intimidating my supporters, and stop involving police against individuals she thinks did not support her. We are ready with our legal team, and the petition will follow its course in court,” Nyakato emphasized.
The petition sets the stage for a legal review of Hoima City’s Woman MP election, with both parties expressing confidence in their respective legal teams as the matter proceeds through the courts.