Jim Muhwezi faces legal challenge over Rujumbura parliamentary seat

April 1, 2026

The election of Security Minister Jim Muhwezi to Parliament has been dragged to court, after his closest challenger filed a petition seeking to overturn the results of the Rujumbura County race.

Fred Turyamuhweza, who contested under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), argues in his petition that the January 2026 election was conducted in violation of electoral laws, raising concerns over the credibility of the final outcome.Claims of irregularities In the court filing, Turyamuhweza alleges that the election was affected by malpractices and non-compliance with established procedures, which he says compromised the integrity of the vote.

The petition also raises questions about the role of the Electoral Commission, accusing it of failing to ensure a free and fair electoral process.What the petitioner wants The petitioner is seeking court orders to:Nullify Muhwezi’s victory Declare the parliamentary seat vacant Compel authorities to organize a fresh election Defence and hearing Sources indicate that Muhwezi has already responded to the petition, dismissing the allegations and maintaining that his victory was lawful and reflected the will of the voters.

The High Court in Rukungiri is expected to set hearing dates, after which both sides will present their arguments before a final ruling is delivered.

Broader context Election petitions have become a common feature in Uganda’s post-election period, often testing the strength of democratic institutions and the ability of courts to resolve political disputes.

The outcome of this case could either reaffirm Jim Muhwezi’s mandate or reopen the race for Rujumbura County, with significant implications for the district’s political direction.