The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application by Patrick Kyamukaate Mutabwire seeking more time to appeal the cancellation of his nomination as Elderly Member of Parliament for Western Uganda, dealing a major blow to his political ambitions.
In its ruling, the court found that Mutabwire failed to demonstrate the “special circumstances” required under the law to justify extending the strict deadline for filing an appeal.
The judge further rejected WhatsApp messages presented in court, ruling that they were unreliable and could not be used as credible evidence.
The dispute dates back to 23 November 2025, when the Electoral Commission nullified Mutabwire’s nomination following a complaint by rival aspirant Tuhairwe Jackson.
Mutabwire argued that he was never formally notified of the decision and only learned about it informally on 8 December 2025. By that time, the legally prescribed five-day appeal window had already expired, prompting him to ask court for more time.
The High Court emphasized that electoral laws impose clear and rigid timelines, giving courts limited room to grant extensions. The judge noted that Mutabwire failed to provide official proof showing when he received the Electoral Commission’s decision, making it impossible to prove that he acted with diligence.
Following the nullification, the Electoral Commission declared NRM’s Jacqueline Mbabazi unopposed as MP for Older Persons, Western Region, effectively closing the contest.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s tough stance on election timelines as Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections. It also highlights the growing risks for aspirants involved in nomination disputes, where lack of formal documentation can decisively end a political bid.
With more nomination battles expected in the coming months, the judgment sends a clear message: election laws will be enforced strictly, regardless of the political stakes involved.
Stay tuned for more updates here.
