Tororo, Uganda: The Tororo Chief Magistrate’s Court has dismissed an application by incumbent Woman Member of Parliament Sarah Achieng Opendi seeking a vote recount in selected polling stations, effectively maintaining Akoth Angella as the duly elected Tororo District Woman MP.
Chief Magistrate Nambatya Irene, delivering her ruling on Tuesday morning, held that the recount could not proceed after court found that two of the contested ballot boxes had broken seals, while four others showed signs of tampering on their sides.
“The integrity of the ballot boxes was compromised,” the magistrate ruled, noting that under electoral law, a recount cannot be conducted where the security of electoral materials is in doubt.
Background to the Application
Opendi had last week filed an application seeking a recount from 11 polling stations in Tororo District, citing alleged irregularities and discrepancies during tallying at the Electoral Commission offices on January 15, 2026.
The court on Saturday granted both parties an opportunity to present evidence and clarify their positions before delivering its ruling.
The polling stations Opendi sought to have recounted included, among others, Kanag Church of Uganda (Petta Sub-county), Buganga Primary School (Ojila Sub-county), Kainja Primary School (Soni Sub-county), and Aturukuku Primary School (Western Division).
Opendi Cries Foul
Speaking after the ruling, Opendi said she was not surprised by the court’s decision, especially after confirmation that some ballot boxes had been tampered with.
She accused Tanga Odoi, the NRM National Electoral Commission chairperson, of orchestrating what she described as ballot stuffing with the help of security forces.
“The will of the people was clearly expressed, but a few individuals interfered with the process,” Opendi said, insisting she had garnered the highest number of votes.
She added that the legal battle was far from over, cautioning those celebrating the ruling to do so “with restraint.”
Akoth Hails Ruling
On her part, Akoth Angella welcomed the court decision, describing it as a victory for the people of Tororo.
“I thank God and the people of Tororo. This ruling confirms what the voters decided,” Akoth said.
She added that she was prepared to face Opendi politically at any level until, in her words, “she accepts political retirement.”
What Next
The ruling means Akoth remains the recognised Tororo District Woman MP-elect unless Opendi files a substantive election petition challenging the results, a process governed by strict timelines under electoral law.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
