BUSHENYI — The High Court in Bushenyi has given parties challenging the Buhweju District Chairperson election until September 27 to consider mediation and settle the dispute before the case proceeds to a full hearing.
The petition was filed by Philip Muhamya, who is challenging the victory of Deogratious Atuhaire over allegations of voter bribery and manipulation of election results.
Muhamya wants the court to annul Atuhaire’s victory, declare him the rightful winner or order a fresh election conducted using biometric verification.
In a ruling on an application, Lady Justice Mary Ikiti directed the Electoral Commission to provide the election tally sheets and advised the parties to choose a neutral mediator to attempt to resolve the dispute.
The mediation proposal comes ahead of the main hearing scheduled for September 28, with the court setting September 27 as the deadline for the parties to agree on mediation.
Muhamya opposed mediation, arguing that the petition concerns alleged electoral irregularities affecting the people of Buhweju rather than a personal dispute between the two candidates.
Atuhaire, however, welcomed the proposal.
If the parties fail to agree on mediation, the case is expected to proceed to the scheduled hearing.
