BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
The Fort Portal high court led by Lady Justice Joanita Gertrude Bushara has fixed October 20th, 21st and 22nd as the dates the date to hear an election petition that was filed by National Unity platform’s Jackson Mbaju Kathika challenging the victory of the National Resistance Movement’s David Mulindwa Isimbwa for the Busongora County South Member of Parliament seat.
On January 17th trounced Kathika in the parliamentary election with a paltry margin of 85 votes. Mulindwa polled 10,845 votes while his closest rival Kathika garnered 10,760 votes in a poll that attracted seven candidates.
Kathika petitioned the Kasese Chief Magistrate’s court seeking a recount, citing alleged errors in the final tally but his application was dismissed on grounds that seals for the contested ballot boxes had been tampered with.
Following the dismissal of his application, he petitioned the high court challenging the tally of votes at Jabezi Primary School Compound A-K.
According to his claim, he was allegedly deprived of his 25 votes and instead given 0 votes against Mulindwa’s 398 yet he apparently obtained 25 votes while Mulindwa got 175. He argues that if the results at this particular polling station are rectified, he wins the election with a difference of 165 votes.
According to Patience Babiwemba from J Byamukama and Co. Advocates, they remain committed to ensuring that their client gets justice.
Defense counsel led by Jesse Soita from Soita and Co. Advocates said that they are ready to defend their client’s victory.
Meanwhile Hon David Mulindwa Isimbwa said he remains hopeful that the courts of law will take the right decision.
Ends