The Hoima Chief Magistrate Court, presided over by His Worship George Kunihira, has dismissed the vote recount petition filed by the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Diana Ampaire in the recently concluded National Female Youth MP race, after finding that ballot materials had been tampered with.
In his brief ruling delivered on Tuesday night, His Worship Kunihira said the court had examined the integrity of the ballot materials, including ballot books, serial numbers and seals, in the presence of lawyers representing all parties, as well as the returning officer.
The court noted serious inconsistencies in the serial numbers recorded in the official report book and those found inside the ballot boxes. According to the findings, while records indicated that 441 votes had been used, only 440 physical ballot papers were found in the ballot boxes.
His Worship Kunihira further pointed out that ballot paper serial number 8 appeared as used in the ballot book but could not be traced among the 440 ballot papers physically counted.
Additionally, two ballot papers bearing the same serial number 36 were discovered in the ballot box, yet the ballot book reflected that the serial number appeared only once.
“These findings, when considered as a whole, lead this court to one conclusion on the balance of probabilities—that the ballot box in question was tampered with,” the magistrate ruled.
The court also raised concerns about the handling of seals and their serial numbers, noting discrepancies between the records and the actual materials presented before court.
Due to the irregularities, the magistrate ruled that proceeding with a recount would serve no purpose, as the credibility and integrity of the ballot box had already been compromised.
While delivering a summary ruling because of time constraints, His Worship Kunihira indicated that a detailed written judgment would be prepared and shared with the parties.
The dismissal effectively brings to a close Ampaire’s petition hence upholding the election of Mercy Kanyesigye as the duly elected National Female Youth Member of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Kanyesigye has welcomed the court ruling, saying the court sitting in Hoima has disallowed the vote recount in the case of Diana vs Mercy & the Electoral Commission (2026).
“I am glad that justice has finally been done and that the will of the youth has been upheld. I thank everyone for the prayers and good wishes.” She posted on her X- handle formerly Twitter.
Kanyesigye, who contested as an independent candidate, was declared winner by the Electoral Commission after polling 216 votes in the election held at Hoima City Stadium. Kampe came second with 198 votes.
Other candidates in the race included Julia Muhumuza (independent), who garnered 24 votes, and Edith Namande Nakaiza of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received one vote.
Following the declaration of results, Kampe filed an application seeking a vote recount, arguing that some votes were wrongly attributed to Kanyesigye.
