The High Court in Arua has upheld the election of Siraji Brahan Ezama as Aringa County Member of Parliament after dismissing a petition challenging his victory.
Justice Celia Nagawa dismissed the petition on October 5, 2026, ruling in favour of Ezama and the Electoral Commission, which had been sued over the January 15 parliamentary election.
The petition was filed by Ashirafu Tairi, who contested the seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement ticket. Tairi sought to overturn Ezama’s election, alleging electoral offences and irregularities during the campaign and voting process.
The Electoral Commission declared Ezama, who contested on the National Resistance Movement ticket, the winner with 6,541 votes against Tairi’s 5,684, giving him a margin of 857 votes.
The results were gazetted on March 2, 2026.
Other candidates in the election were Gadafi Chandiga, Ashiraf Noah Olega and Habib Amin Tibirichu.
Tairi alleged that Ezama, either personally or through his agents, engaged in illegal practices and election offences. He also accused Ezama’s supporters and agents of using violence and intimidation against him and his campaign team.
He further alleged that some of the offences were committed with Ezama’s knowledge, consent or approval.
The Electoral Commission was accused of failing to conduct a free and fair election as required by the Constitution and electoral laws.
Ezama and the Electoral Commission denied the allegations and argued that the election was conducted in accordance with the law. They further contended that the alleged irregularities, even if proved, did not substantially affect the election result.
In her 71-page judgment, Justice Nagawa dismissed the petition and confirmed Ezama as the duly elected MP for Aringa County.
The court also ordered each party to meet its own legal costs.
Justice Nagawa said the decision on costs was influenced by the public-interest nature of election petitions and the fact that Ezama and Tairi are cousins.
“Each party shall bear its own costs, given the public interest nature of this election petition and the fact that the parties are cousins, bearing in mind the need for post reconciliation,” the judgment notice stated.
The judge also called for reconciliation within the constituency, noting that both candidates come from the same area.
“With a vote margin of 857, the electorate should heal,” the judgment stated.
Tairi confirmed that his lawyer had received the judgment notice but questioned why the decision was communicated before the date earlier fixed for its delivery.
“It’s true I received a judgment notice through my lawyer. However, I am not satisfied with the judgement because we were told the ruling was going to be on October 8. I am yet to understand what happened,” he said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ezama were unsuccessful.
The High Court decision leaves Ezama’s election in force. Any party dissatisfied with the ruling may pursue an appeal through the appropriate legal process.
