Rukungiri: FDC’s Betty Muzanira Wins Election Petition, Court Orders Fresh Polls

Court has rendered invalid the election of Rukungiri district Woman MP, Winfred Matsiko of the the ruling NRM. In a Court of Appeal ruling on Thursday, Justices Paul Mugambe and Owiny Dolo invalidated Matsiko’s victory ordering fresh elections to be conducted.

Betty Muzanira of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, who contested for Rukungiri district Woman MP seat petitioned the High Court to nullify the election of her rival Matsiko in 2016.

Muzanira sought either a vote recount, especially the three sub counties of Nyakishenyi, Nyarushanje, and Nyakagyeme. She further claimed that at some tally centers, ballot boxes arrived empty.

On February 29, 2016, Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s Court dismissed with costs an application by Betty Muzanira to have votes for Rukungiri Woman MP seat recounted. Muzanira had petitioned the court accusing the Electoral Commissiom of committing errors during the announcement of the results and in the results declaration forms.

Muzanira petitioned the High Court to set aside the lower court’s ruling.

Relatedly, MP for Iganga Municipality, Peter Mugema also known as Panadol has won an appeal filed against him in a ruling by the Jinja High Court that had annulled his election over allegations of voter bribery.

The lower court had declared Nasser Abeid Mudyobole as the duly elected MP.