Fresh political tension is building in Masaka District following reports of behind-the-scenes discussions about a possible legal challenge to the victory of Woman Member of Parliament Joan Namutaawe of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Namutaawe was declared winner of the January 16 polls after securing 16,640 votes, narrowly defeating Joanita Nalule of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) by about 500 votes. The closely contested race has since sparked debate among supporters of both camps.
However, as of now, no official election petition has been filed before the High Court in Masaka.
Meanwhile, sections of NRM supporters in the district have staged protests, insisting their candidate won the election. Senior party officials, however, have publicly distanced themselves from any organized effort to overturn the outcome.
Under Ugandan electoral law, only a properly filed petition supported by evidence can trigger a judicial review of election results. Until such a petition is lodged, the declared results remain legally binding, leaving the situation politically charged but procedurally unchanged.
