The Judiciary has said it is finalising preparations to hear the 118 election petitions arising from Uganda’s 2026 parliamentary and local government elections, as pressure mounts to conclude the disputes within the constitutional timelines.
Chief registrar Agnes Alum said judges across the various High court circuits are completing administrative arrangements before hearing schedules are issued.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Supreme court in Kampala on Wednesday, Alum acknowledged growing public interest in the election petitions and assured litigants that the judiciary is mindful of the statutory deadlines governing such cases.
She said judges are currently organising the allocation of the petitions and that parties will be notified once hearing schedules are finalised.
Election petitions are among the most time-sensitive matters handled by the courts because the law requires them to be determined within prescribed timelines to avoid prolonged uncertainty over elected offices.
According to the judiciary, 118 petitions have so far been filed challenging the outcomes of the 2026 parliamentary and local government elections, presenting a major test of the courts’ ability to resolve election disputes within the legal timeframes.
Among the high-profile cases is Mawokota North MP Hilderman Kiyaga’s petition challenging the election of former Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde. Former Rushenyi County MP Mwesigwa Rukaari is challenging the election of Christopher Bakashaba in Mbarara, while former Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi has petitioned against the election of Angella Akoth.
In another petition, Birungi Kobusingye is challenging the election of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Harriet Nakwedde as Kayunga District Woman MP in a case filed at the High court in Mukono, with the Electoral Commission named as a respondent.
At the Masaka High court circuit, Rose Nalubowa is contesting the election of Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere, while Muwonge Nkoko has petitioned against the election of Lwengo District Woman MP Cissy Namujju Dionizia. The Electoral Commission is also a respondent in that case.
Grace Nalubega has challenged the election of Bukomansimbi District Woman MP Ruth Katushabe, while in Ssembabule, incumbent Woman MP Mary Begumisa is contesting the victory of Florence Nambazira.
Other petitions include Lilly Lapowa’s challenge to the election of State minister Esther Davinia Anyakun. The Masaka and Moroto High court circuits are handling a significant share of the petitions, while the Iganga and Lira circuits are also dealing with multiple election disputes.
Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the High court is required to determine election petitions within the timelines prescribed by law after the parties have filed their respective responses.
Asked whether sufficient funds had been released to facilitate the hearings, Alum declined to comment, saying the management of election petitions falls under the Office of the Principal Judge.
Beyond election disputes, Alum said the Judiciary is strengthening internal accountability by intensifying investigations into allegations of corruption and misconduct involving judicial officers.
She said the Inspectorate of Courts and the disciplinary committee are actively handling complaints and taking disciplinary action where wrongdoing is established. She, however, urged members of the public to support investigations by providing credible evidence rather than making general allegations.
Responding to concerns about delays in processing bail applications in magistrates’ courts, Alum clarified that suspects are entitled to make oral bail applications before lower courts and should not be subjected to unnecessary procedural delays.
She attributed delays in hearing newly filed cases largely to heavy court workloads and case management challenges, adding that the Judiciary would continue engaging judicial officers on improving docket management and communication with court users.
Alum also said the Judiciary would investigate complaints from journalists who alleged they had been denied access to proceedings in politically sensitive cases.
She disclosed that the Judiciary is finalising media and court reporting guidelines, alongside a nationwide media accreditation programme aimed at improving cooperation between court officials and journalists while promoting accurate reporting of court proceedings.
The chief registrar also highlighted ongoing judicial reforms, including the expansion of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), increased use of virtual hearings, deployment of artificial intelligence-assisted judgment-writing and transcription tools, and the recruitment of additional judicial officers and support staff to improve case disposal.
She further announced that the annual High court and Magistrates’ courts vacation will run from July 15 to August 15, while the Supreme court and Court of Appeal will recess throughout August.
Court registries will, however, remain open to receive new cases as judicial officers use the vacation period to prepare pending judgments and rulings.