Kassanda North Vote Recount Petition Dismissed by Court

Kassanda, Uganda — The Mubende Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a petition seeking a recount of votes in the Kassanda North parliamentary election, upholding the victory of Patrick Nsamba Oshabe of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

The petition was filed by Isaac Kamulegeya of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who challenged the declared results. Kamulegeya argued that irregularities during the tallying process warranted a recount of the votes.

However, the court ruled that the petitioner failed to provide sufficient numerical evidence to justify a recount.

The judge emphasized that allegations of irregularities or denial of access to election documents, while serious, are insufficient on their own without clear discrepancies that could alter the outcome. The application was described as a “fishing expedition” rather than a petition grounded in concrete proof.

The dismissal effectively confirms Nsamba Oshabe’s win, who had beaten Kamulegeya by a margin of 116 votes in the parliamentary election. The court also noted that claims regarding access to election materials and procedural issues are more appropriately addressed through a formal election petition, rather than a recount request.

Following the ruling, Nsamba hailed the judgment as fair and transparent, while Kamulegeya conceded defeat and urged his supporters to return to normal activities.

This decision brings closure to the Kassanda North electoral dispute and reinforces the legal processes surrounding Uganda’s parliamentary elections.