NRM loses Tororo North MP seat

Police confront Mr Geoffrey Ekanya and his supporters at Mbale High Court yesterday. PHOTO BY YAHUDU KITUNZI

Mbale.

The High Court in Mbale yesterday ordered NRM’s Annet Nyakecho out of Parliament, citing failure by the Electoral Commission to count votes from some polling stations in Tororo North constituency.

Justice Patricia Waswa Basaza ruled that the EC had failed to prove to court why they did not count the votes from Mission Church and Pagoya polling stations in Kamuli parish, Mukuju Sub-county.

The election loser, Mr Geofrey Ekanya (FDC), had petitioned the court on grounds that the EC cancelled the results of two polling stations, which he claimed were his strongholds. Ms Nyakecho polled 8,911 votes against Mr Ekanya’s 8,822 votes.

Yesterday, Justice Basaza ruled that the election was characterised by irregularities and contravened electoral laws. “Failure by the Electoral Commission to include the votes of two polling stations in which the petitioner had won affected the results for the seat,” she ruled.

“I expected the EC to include the results of two polling stations. After hearing all sides, I now declare the Tororo North parliamentary seat vacant. I therefore order for a fresh election,” she added.

The court also ordered EC to pay 50 per cent to the petitioner in costs of the suit and the other 50 per cent is to be paid by Ms Nyakecho. Ms Nyakecho, however, promised to appeal the ruling.

“There was confusion in this ruling. I’m not contented with it,” Ms Nyakecho told journalists.
Ms Ekanya said he expected to win the election.
“I won the election but I was just cheated by NRM. It was in glass but now truth has come out,” he said.

Meanwhile, police led by Mbale District police commander Peter Mugabi had to deploy heavily at the court to contain the FDC supporters who had started celebrating Mr Ekanya’s victory.
Police blocked the supporters from using Republic Street, saying they may cause chaos in the town.

Mp losers so far
Other NRM MPs who have lost their seats include Peter Ssematimba (Busiro South), Peter Mugema (Iganga Municipality), Isaac Mulindwa Ssozi (Lugazi Municipality) Vincent Webwoya (Budadiri East), Lawrence Akuguzibwe (Mwengo North), Mr Fred Kyakulaga (Kigulu North),Edward Sembatya (Katikamu South MP) and Lillian Nakate (Luweero Woman). The High Court had by yesterday disposed of 34 of the 117 parliamentary election petitions currently being heard by more than 26 judges across the 13 court circuits. A total of 13 MPs had by yesterday been thrown out by court.