JINJA, UGANDA: The High Court in Jinja has nullified the election of Incumbent MP Mr. Iddi Isabirye as the Member of Parliament for Bunya South seat in Mayuge District, this website has learnt.
This was announced by the Presiding Judge Lady Justice Susan Abinyo during the hearing at Jinja Hight Court on Friday, October 15, 2021.
The petition challenging the election victory of NRM’s Isabirye was filed by his closest rival and Independent candidate, Mr. Robert Ntende who contended that the final results published by the electoral commission were inaccurate and the therefore in nullity.
Through his lawyers led by Mr. Jude Byamukama of JByamukama & Co. Advocates and Ivan Wanume, Mr. Ntende also said that ‘‘the results of ten polling stations especially in Malong Sub-county were marred with several irregularities because his agents were chased and others beaten – so they did not witness the exercise and those ten polling stations had a lot of irregularities.’’
Mr Ntende contended that he’d have won the election if the affected polling stations were excluded from the tally sheet. He also noted that his agents were harassed to facilitate ballot staffing. There was violence and intimidation of Mr Ntende’s supporters which was orchestrated by Mr Isabirye.
Mr Ntende presented a video recording to court showing Mr Isabirye giving some of his supporters Shs400,000.
Giving her ruling, Justice Abinyo the respondent committed illegal practices of bribery and giving donations during election campaigns.
She, therefore, declared the election to be set aside and a fresh election be organized and also ordered the Electoral Commission and Mr Isabirye to pay Mr Ntende all the costs he has incurred in this case.
Through his lawyers, Mr Evans Ochieng of Ocheng and Company Advocates said he is going to appeal against the judgment of the High Court.
“I want to encourage my supporters to be firm because the victory was handed over to me by you people because the will of the people cannot be disputed,’’ he said.
Seven Candidates contested on this seat including Isabirye Iddi who garnered 19,833 votes and Mr Ntende got 14,364 votes.
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