Kasese, Uganda – A court-ordered recount of the January 15 parliamentary election votes in Busongora South, Kasese District, has been dismissed after officials discovered evidence of tampering with several ballot boxes.
The petition, filed by Jackson Mbaju Kathika, also known as Silhuhwere of the National Unity Platform (NUP), challenged the victory of David Isimbwa Mulindwa of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Kathika alleged that tally sheets at the Kasese Multipurpose Hall were inconsistent and that the election results did not reflect the actual votes cast.
Chief Magistrate George Mfitundinda initially agreed there was sufficient reason to conduct a recount. However, during the inspection of ballot boxes at the court this morning, several were found with broken or compromised seals. With the chain of custody of votes in question, the magistrate ruled that a recount could not be conducted reliably and dismissed the petition. Mulindwa’s election stands.
Residents of Busongora South, a constituency where farming, trade, and local development issues dominate daily life, had gathered at the court early in anticipation of clarity. Many expressed frustration at the discovery of tampered boxes. One local shopkeeper commented: “We queue for hours, mark our choice, and then hear the boxes were opened improperly. How do we believe in the system after that?”
Busongora South has a history of electoral disputes, with previous elections resulting in court interventions and by-elections. The latest polls also saw NRM gains elsewhere in Kasese: Sarah Ithungu won the Woman MP seat, and Ferigo Kambale retained Kasese Municipality.
Supporters of Mulindwa say the results reflect genuine voter confidence in NRM’s development agenda, including infrastructure and rural services. Kathika’s camp, however, maintains that the petition represented a legitimate attempt to ensure transparency and fair representation. The petitioner may appeal to a higher court, which could prolong the dispute over the seat.
Post-election petitions are common across Uganda, with courts frequently serving as a venue for resolving disputes. In Busongora South, today’s ruling underscores the challenges of maintaining voter confidence when procedural irregularities arise. Local observers hope the incident will lead to stronger safeguards to ensure future elections are transparent and credible.
