Amuru Woman MP sued over election
Ms Lucy Akello (2ndL) celebrates her victory in the Amuru Woman MP by-lection last month. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OKELLO
What you need to know:
Ms Jane Frances Amongin (NRM) who lost the Amuru Woman MP race claims she was robbed of her victory.
Amuru- Newly-elected Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello could be battling a court case soon after her rival Jane Frances Amongin Okili sued her together with the Electoral Commission (EC) for alleged rigging.
Ms Okili, who contested for the seat on the NRM ticket and lost the by-election, has petitioned High Court seeking to nullify the results.
In her December 29 petition before Gulu High Court, Ms Okili accused her rival and the EC of connivance to strip her of victory.
“Ms Akello engaged in vote rigging, vote stuffing, and electoral malpractices. I am not satisfied with the electoral commission. It did not conduct the parliamentary elections for Amuru in accordance with the principles laid down in the Parliamentary Election Act,” she stated.
Ms Okili, through her lawyers of Kampala Associated Advocates, has given the two respondents 10 days to respond to the allegations.
NRM Party chairperson Amuru District Juma Lanek P’ Labongo, said they are confident they will win this case.
“We were cheated of our victory. The Opposition used propaganda that is why we are in court. They were on radio spreading lies,” Mr Labongo.
Speaking to journalists in Gulu Town on Monday, Ms Akello admitted receiving a copy of the petition and said she is ready to challenge Ms Okili in court.
She asked her supporters to stay calm, adding that Ms Okili is finding it hard to concede defeat.
She claimed her opponent is finding avenues to account for the cash her NRM party used to fund her campaigns.
She revealed that her lawyers will study the petition and respond before the ultimatum elapses.
“I am confident that I will win since the allegations in the petition are baseless,” Ms Akello said.
Kilak County MP Gilbert Olanya, who is also a member of FDC, alleged that Ms Okili is looking for a way to impress President Museveni.
Mr Michael Lakony, Amuru District chairperson FDC, said Ms Okili is entitled to her opinion but she should be equally prepared for consequences of the outcome of the case.
