The High Court in Mubende has nullified Joyce Bagala’s election as the Mityana Woman Member of Parliament and ordered for a by-election, following a petition filed by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Judith Nabakooba.
According to Justice Emmanuel Baguma, there was credible evidence of multiple voting during the January 14 election in which the minister came second.
“Court finds that there were acts of non-compliance in different Polling stations in particular, at; King Faisal (ND-Z), Kiyinda A (A-M), Kiganwa Primary School, Kawoko Playground, Mityana A Kanamba, Busimbi Gombolola area (A Nak), Nandegejja, Primary School, Comprehensive S.S Campus, Kiyinda B (Nak z), Busimbi Railway (A-M) and Busimbi/Kasimbi (A-M) at Merryland Polling stations which stood out in non-compliance,” he said.
The judge also said there was enough evidence in the petition to prove that Ms Bagala, through her agents, with her knowledge and consent or approval committed the electoral offence of bribery.
“…and court makes the following Orders; the election of the second respondent (Bagala) as Woman Member of Parliament for Mityana District Constituency is set aside, a by-election is ordered to be held in Mityana District Constituency for the Woman Member of Parliament and the Petitioner is awarded the costs of this petition,” the judge said.
Ms Nabakooba said she was happy with ruling, promising victory in the by-election.
“I thank God for this victory. The Lord has finally answered my prayers. The people of Mityana have made a statement,” she said.
