The race for Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament has taken a dramatic turn as the National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially challenged the election outcome. Samuel Muyizzi, the lawyer representing NUP’s Rose Nalubowa, has filed a petition in the Masaka High Court questioning the decision by Chief Magistrate Abert Asiimwe to declare Justine Nameere of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) the winner.
Nameere was announced as the Masaka City MP-elect on Sunday night after a four-day vote recount, securing 25,502 votes compared to Nalubowa’s 23,176. However, Muyizzi argues that the Chief Magistrate relied on erroneous grounds to make the declaration and insists that the result does not reflect the true will of the voters.
In the petition, Muyizzi has urged the High Court to fast-track the case and deliver a ruling within seven days, ensuring that the statutory deadline for confirming the election result is met. The legal challenge adds another layer of tension to the already closely watched contest, highlighting the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of politics in Masaka.
As the court prepares to hear the petition, supporters of both parties are keenly watching, anticipating a ruling that could either reaffirm Nameere’s victory or alter the course of representation for Masaka City in Parliament. This development underscores the critical role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes and ensuring that electoral processes remain transparent and fair.
