The High Court in Kabale has certified Shs 12,869,800 Million in legal costs to Central Division councillor Leopold Twesigye following a protracted dispute over representation on the Kabale University Council.
The costs are to be paid by Kabale District Local Government and Northern Division councillor Verah Tuyizere Tumuheki, after Twesigye successfully argued that his legal action prompted corrective measures in the contested election process.
Twesigye had initially filed a petition in July 2022 challenging Tumuheki’s election to the university council. She had been elected with 18 votes, narrowly defeating Ryakarimira Town Council councillor March Boaz, who secured 16 votes. The seat fell vacant after the death of former Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Patrick Besigye Keihwa in 2021.
In his petition, Twesigye accused the Kabale District Speaker, Flavia Nyinakiza Kanagizi, of irregularly participating in the vote, contrary to provisions of the Local Government Act. He also questioned the procedure used to submit Tumuheki’s name to the university council, arguing that it should have been the responsibility of the Chief Administrative Officer rather than the Speaker.
The court in October 2022 directed the parties to pursue mediation. Subsequently, the Office of the Attorney General advised that a fresh election be conducted. Tumuheki was again declared winner in the repeat exercise held on October 13, 2022.
In its final ruling delivered in November 2025, the court dismissed Twesigye’s petition, noting that the issues raised had been overtaken by events following the fresh election. However, the court acknowledged that the petition had triggered administrative action, including consultation with the Attorney General, which led to the repeat vote.
On that basis, the court ruled that Twesigye was entitled to recover legal costs incurred during the proceedings.
Twesigye later filed a bill of costs amounting to UGX 28,589,800 in December 2025. However, a certificate of taxation issued on March 24, 2026, by Assistant Registrar Kenneth Tumwebaze reduced the award to UGX 12,869,800.
Speaking to our reporter on Wednesday, Twesigye said he accepted the reduced amount, emphasizing that his intention was to recover legal expenses rather than seek excessive compensation.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Tumuheki were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to repeated phone calls.
Despite the partial legal victory, Twesigye will not return to the district council after losing his bid for Central Division LC3 Chairperson on the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket to National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Henry Nasasira.
Tumuheki also exited elective politics after securing employment with Kanungu District Local Government.
