A Ugandan court has ordered a recount of votes in the Kalungu West parliamentary election, following a petition filed by independent candidate Ismael Ssemakula. The Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court made the ruling after Ssemakula disputed the declaration of National Unity Platform candidate Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu as the winner. Ssewungu had been announced as the winner with 10,106 votes, just 46 votes ahead of Ssemakula.
The recount is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Kalungu Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court’s decision comes after Ssemakula’s lawyers raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the voting process, including ballots being placed illegally in boxes and errors during tallying. Ssewungu’s lawyers had argued that the petition was improperly filed and should be dismissed.
Chief Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe, who oversees both Masaka and Kalungu courts, ruled that the petition was properly filed and ordered the hearing to proceed. During the hearing, Ssemakula’s lawyers requested a recount, citing concerns with the Electoral Commission’s handling of the election. Ssewungu’s lawyers argued that the returning officer had acted within the law by declining the recount, but the court ultimately ordered the recount to take place.
The narrow margin between the two candidates, with Ssewungu leading by just 46 votes, was a key factor in the court’s decision. Ssemakula had raised concerns with the Electoral Commission but was denied a recount, prompting him to file the petition. The Electoral Commission’s results showed Ssewungu receiving 10,106 votes, while Ssemakula received 10,060 votes.
Speaking after the ruling, Ssewungu said he was ready for the recount and would accept the outcome. The recount is expected to take place on Friday, and the results will determine the winner of the Kalungu West parliamentary seat. The case highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and the need for transparency in resolving disputes over election results.
