Iganga MP Retains Seat, Rukungiri's Winnie Matsiko Out

The court of appeal today ruled that Peter Mugema ,also known as Panadol, the NRM candidate is the substantive legislator of Iganga Municipality constituency.

Panadol was declared winner of 2016 elections but his rival Abed Nasser Mudyobole contested the results in Jinja High Court ,saying the election was marred with irregularities.

Today, the Court of Appeal panel of three judges including the former Deputy chief justice Steven Kavuma, Cheborion Barisaki and Catherine Bamugemereire in a ruling read by the Deputy registrar, Esther Nambayo said it was wrong for the lower court to overturn the election of Mugema.

Panadol rushed to Court of Appeal challenging the lower court’s ruling.

Court awarded Panadol costs from the case.

MEANWHILE, It was a different story for Winnie Komuhangi Matsiko, the Rukungiri Woman MP whose election victory was nullified.

Justices including Deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny- Dolo and Paul Mugamba ruled in favour of Matsiko's political rival, FDC's Betty Bamukwasa Muzanira.

Muzanira filed a petition challenging Masiko's election and seeking a vote recount after losing the February 2016 elections. The Electoral Commission was also dragged to court in regards to the irregularities.

At the heart of the petition were results from three sub-counties of Nyakishenyi, Nyarushanje, and Nyakagyeme. In March 2016, the Rukungiri Chief Magistrates Court dismissed Muzanira's application with costs, forcing the FDC candidate to petition higher courts.

According to results announced by the district registrar, Pius Ahimbisibwe, Matsiko polled 58,994 while Muzanira got 54,966. Muzanira, however, accused the Electoral Commission of committing errors during the announcement of the results and in the declaration forms.