Hoima — The Chief Magistrates Court in Hoima has dismissed a petition seeking a vote recount in the recently concluded National Female Youth Member of Parliament election, effectively upholding Mercy Kanyesigye’s narrow victory.
Kanyesigye, an independent candidate, defeated the NRM flag bearer Diana Ampaire Kampe on February 6 at Hoima City Stadium, securing 216 votes against Ampaire’s 198, according to election results announced at the venue.
Ampaire later petitioned court, seeking a recount and alleging that the vote tally had been miscounted.
However, the recount process hit a setback after the court reportedly discovered tampered ballot materials, including ballot papers with wrong seals and boxes containing more ballots than what had been officially recorded.
Hoima Chief Magistrate George Kunihira subsequently dismissed the petition late Tuesday, citing concerns over the integrity of the electoral materials and ruling that the recount could not proceed under compromised conditions.
Following the ruling, Kanyesigye welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for justice and transparency.
The case has drawn public attention and renewed debate on the security of electoral materials, with observers warning that such incidents raise concerns ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
