Kibuku ruling set for today

Pallisa

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Pallisa District will today decide on an application filed by the Kibuku parliamentary loser, Ms Jennipher Namuyangu, seeking a vote recount of the February 18 parliamentary elections.

Ms Namuyangu, who rejected the outcome and opted for a recount of votes, argued that in some areas of Kasasira Sub-county, it is alleged that the number of people who cast their vote were more than those on the national register.

Mr Saleh Kamba, the NRM flag bearer, was declared winner after polling 23,855 votes against his main challenger, Ms Namuyangu who polled 21,893 votes. While Jonathan Obote polled 111 votes, Mr Joseph 148 votes, Ms Rainer Kafire 1,654 votes and Mr Moses Wagira 117 votes.

Intimidation
Ms Namuyangu claimed there was a lot of intimidation of her agents and supporters in some areas that resulted in ballot stuffing. However, Mr Kamba said he is not scared of the court’s ruling. “The law says, if you are not satisfied, you go to court. I am the victor. I know I will definitely win,” said Mr Kamba.

He, however, said, according the Parliamentary Election Act, an application must be filed within four days but Ms Namuyangu filed the application four days after the polls and it expired on February 26. “Because of that, the chief magistrate has not legal powers handling this case,” he said.