Tumukunde, Turinawe face off as court sets ruling date for Rukungiri Municipality seat

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The high-stakes political contest over the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat has shifted from the campaign trail to the courtroom, with the High Court in Rukungiri District setting December 16, 2026, to deliver its judgment in an election petition challenging the victory of Lt. Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde.

The petition was filed by Ms. Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, who came second in the January 15 parliamentary elections. The legal battle has thrust the closely contested race back into the spotlight, with the court now expected to determine whether the election was conducted in compliance with electoral laws and whether the alleged irregularities affected the final outcome in a substantial manner.

According to official results declared by the Rukungiri District Returning Officer, Mr. Abas Namara K., Gen. Tumukunde of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) won the seat with 7,115 votes against Ms. Turinawe’s 6,268 votes. Independent candidates Mr. Wallen Nuwagaba Tumwine and Mr. Richard Akanyijuka garnered 297 and 53 votes, respectively.

Unsatisfied with the outcome, Ms. Turinawe petitioned the court, alleging that the poll was marred by widespread irregularities and inconsistencies that compromised the credibility and validity of the final tally.“Gen. Tumukunde did not win the election. The people of Rukungiri Municipality gave me their mandate, but the Electoral Commission made a mistake and declared him as the winner. That is why I took the Electoral Commission to court to answer for their wrongs,” Ms. Turinawe told reporters following a court session.

She expressed optimism about the pending ruling, adding, “God willing, we shall win this case. I want to assure the people of Rukungiri Municipality that very soon I will be representing their views in Parliament.”Efforts by this publication to obtain a comment from Gen. Tumukunde’s legal team were unsuccessful, as representatives declined to speak on matters currently pending before the court.The court proceedings were presided over by High Court Judge Richard Wejuli Wabwire.

The upcoming verdict has generated mixed expectations among local residents, many of whom say the judgment will resolve months of political uncertainty in the municipality.Mr. Innocent Museveni, a resident of Western Division, noted that the community remains on edge as they await the ruling. “The court’s decision will determine whether Gen. Tumukunde remains our Member of Parliament or if he will be unseated. As of now, anything is possible, so we continue to wait for the fixed date,” Mr. Museveni said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Joel Gumisiriza, a resident of Southern Division, said the ruling would mark a decisive moment for the constituency. “The December 16 judgment will bring this legal battle to a final stage and determine whether we proceed to a by-election or maintain Gen. Tumukunde as our MP. Until the court delivers its ruling, Gen. Tumukunde remains the declared representative,” Mr. Gumisiriza stated.Mr. Gadison Mutababazi, also from Southern Division, observed that the verdict will definitively settle whether the sitting legislator retains his seat or loses it to the petitioner’s challenge.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mary Edith Mbabazi, a resident of Eastern Division, commended the judicial process for giving both parties a fair hearing. “I am waiting for the court’s decision because both sides were given an opportunity to present their evidence and defend their positions. This judgment will finally bring an end to the months of uncertainty surrounding our parliamentary seat,” Ms. Mbabazi said.

While it largely got independence peacefully, there has never been a peaceful power transfer.

Nadduli is cautious about being drawn into the increasingly open debate over Uganda’s political succession