KAMPALA — The Electoral Court has directed Democratic Front (DF) President Mathias Mpuuga to further narrow his electoral petition challenging the conduct of Uganda’s recent general elections before it can proceed to trial.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during a scheduling conference before Deputy Registrar Hiw Mugara Jane, where parties met to streamline the issues in the petition and determine whether the case was ready for hearing.
Speaking after the session, Mpuuga defended the petition, saying it was aimed at holding the Electoral Commission accountable for what he described as constitutional and legal failures in the management of the electoral process.
He said the petition challenges the Commission’s actions before, during and after the elections, arguing that they affected the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
“The country is aware that we petitioned the Electoral Court on a number of issues. The petition is against the systematic manner in which the Electoral Commission and its agencies conducted the last elections, including its conduct and the management of electoral affairs during and after the elections,” Mpuuga said.
He explained that the petition initially contained nine issues but had since been reduced to five following discussions during the scheduling conference.
The remaining issues relate to the Electoral Commission’s voter mapping process, voter registration exercise, procurement and use of election technology, treatment of political parties, and alleged involvement of the military in electoral affairs.
Mpuuga accused the Electoral Commission of failing to properly conduct voter registration in line with its constitutional obligations, saying the process resulted in some eligible citizens being denied their right to vote.
He also questioned the procurement and use of election technology, arguing that some equipment was acquired irregularly and later failed to serve its intended purpose.
“We are inviting this court to find the Electoral Commission at fault from the word go — procuring them illegally, using them illegally, and then giving us an illegal outcome,” he said.
The DF leader further accused the Commission of failing to recognise the Democratic Party as a parliamentary party despite having elected Members of Parliament, describing the decision as unconstitutional.
However, Deputy Registrar Mugara ruled that the petition was not yet ready for trial and directed Mpuuga’s legal team to reduce the number of issues further to about three or four to ensure the case is more focused.
The court ordered the Attorney General to file responses to the revised issues by July 21, while the petitioner was directed to submit amended pleadings by August 4.
The matter was adjourned to August 15 at 11:00am for mention, when court will determine whether the petition is ready to be scheduled for hearing.
