Hoima, Uganda: The Chief Magistrates Court in Hoima has this afternoon ordered a recount of votes cast in the National Female Youth Representative to Parliament election following a petition filed by NRM Flag Bearer, Ms Ampaire Diana (NRM) challenging the victory of NRM-leaning independent, Kanyesigye Mercy declared on February 6, 2026.
Kanyesigye was declared winner of the youth MP race held at Hoima City Stadium with 216 votes, while Ampaire garnered 198 votes.
But dissatisfied with the outcome, Ampaire petitioned court seeking a recount, arguing that several votes cast in her favour were wrongly tallied in favour of the declared winner.
In a Notice of Motion filed under Sections 74 and 77 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Ampaire contended that the results recorded on the Declaration of Results form were not a true reflection of the actual votes cast.
She further claimed that during the counting process, she and her polling agents raised concerns about irregular tallying before the Presiding Officer, but their complaints were ignored. The applicant also alleged that her request for a recount before declaration of results was denied and that the Returning Officer refused to acknowledge receipt of her written complaint.
Following a two-day court session which began last week, the Hoima Chief Magistrates Court Tuesday ruled to grant an order for the recount of all votes cast in the election, setting aside Kanyesigye’s victory.
Reports obtained from Hoima Magistrate’s Court indicate that the recount is set to take place this afternoon, after which rallying will follow and the eventual winner be declared.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of special interest group elections following the recently concluded 2026 electoral cycle, where several results across the country have been challenged in court over alleged irregularities.
The National Female Youth MP election, conducted under the Electoral Commission, is part of the special interest group parliamentary representation structure provided for under Uganda’s Constitution. Youth MPs are elected through an electoral college system rather than universal adult suffrage.
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