Mugisa to present 160 witnesses in Buruli election petition
“I reported the case because I was not satisfied with the election,” Mugisa said.
Masindi: Buruli County parliamentary election petitioner Julius Mugisa says he will present 160 witnesses when the hearing of his petition resumes at Masindi High Court on September 21, 2026.
Mugisa is challenging the election of Ronald Aled Akugizibwe as Buruli County Member of Parliament in the January 2026 general elections.
Mugisa told court that he intends to rely on the testimony of the 160 witnesses, as well as audio recordings, video footage and photographs, to support his challenge to the election results.
He says he petitioned court after becoming dissatisfied with the conduct and outcome of the election, alleging that some votes were confiscated during the electoral process.
“I reported the case because I was not satisfied with the election,” Mugisa said.
He said the evidence he has gathered would help court establish what happened during the disputed election. “I have 160 witnesses to present to court,” Mugisa said.
Mugisa also told court that the evidence in his possession includes “audio, video and pictures.”
The allegations made by Mugisa have not been established by the court and remain contested. The respondents will have an opportunity to respond to the petitioner’s evidence and challenge the testimony and other materials presented.
During the preliminary proceedings, lawyers representing Mugisa from Mujulizi & Mwesigye Advocates raised an issue concerning Simon Kasangaki, the lawyer representing the first respondent, Akugizibwe.
The petitioner’s legal team argued that information contained in one of the affidavits created a possibility that Kasangaki could be required to appear as a witness in the case.
The lawyers argued that allowing an advocate who could potentially become a witness to continue representing a party could raise professional and ethical concerns.
They asked court to consider the issue and remove Kasangaki from representing the first respondent.
However, Justice Charles Kasibayo dismissed the request seeking to have Kasangaki removed from representing Akugizibwe.
The decision allows Kasangaki to continue representing Akugizibwe as the election petition proceeds.
With the preliminary issue settled, attention now turns to the evidence expected when the hearing resumes.
160 witnesses expected
Mugisa’s indication that he intends to call 160 witnesses could make the hearing extensive, depending on the number of witnesses ultimately called and the issues they address.
The witnesses are expected to testify on matters relating to the disputed election, while Mugisa also intends to present audiovisual and photographic material.
The admissibility, relevance and evidential value of the materials will be determined through the court process.
The respondents will have an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and respond to the evidence presented by the petitioner.
The Masindi High Court has fixed Monday, September 21, 2026, for the hearing to resume.
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