Bukimbiri After the Verdict: What Residents Should Prepare For

Kisoro – Uganda

For residents of Bukimbiri County, the next few weeks will be about more than a court decision. The outcome of the parliamentary election petition could determine the next chapter of political representation in the constituency.

The High Court in Kabale is scheduled to deliver its judgment on November 13 in a case challenging the election of incumbent MP Eddie Kwizera wa Gahungu. The petition was filed by former election rival Asgario Turyagyenda, who is seeking to overturn the result.

The reports establish three central allegations in Turyagyenda’s petition: alleged voter bribery, violence against his supporters and polling agents, and alleged manipulation of election results. Turyagyenda is seeking to have the election annulled and a fresh election held. These remain allegations before the court, not proven findings.

What led him to court?

The election result: In the January 15, 2026 general election, independent candidate Eddie Kwizera wa Gahungu won Bukimbiri County with 14,761 votes. Turyagyenda, the NRM flag bearer, received 12,553 votes—a margin of 2,208 votes.

However, Turyagyenda attributed his loss to:

Intimidation, that his supporters and polling agents were beaten or harassed during voting by his opponent.

Voter bribery in which he accused Kwizera of bribing voters, an allegation Kwizera disputes.

Results manipulation, he alleged that polling officials manipulated results in favour of the incumbent, contrary to Electoral Commission guidelines.

The legal challenge: He filed Election Petition No. 01 of 2026 at the High Court in Kabale in April, seeking to overturn the result and have a fresh election conducted.

What does Kwizera say?

Kwizera has rejected the allegations, describing the petition as baseless and arguing that Turyagyenda has not provided sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims. He has also expressed confidence that the court will uphold his election.

The High Court has set to deliver it’s judgment on13 November 2026 with the parties agreeing to rely on written submissions rather than cross-examining witnesses.

But what should Bukimbiri residents prepare for?

Three possible outcomes

Under Uganda’s Parliamentary Elections Act, the court has several options.

If the petition is dismissed, Kwizera’s election remains valid, and residents can expect him to continue serving as their MP, subject to any further lawful proceedings.

In case court declares another candidate duly elected, the parliamentary seat would change hands in accordance with the court’s determination and the legal procedures that follow.

When the election is nullified and a fresh election ordered, residents could face another electoral exercise, bringing renewed campaigning and the need to participate peacefully.

These are possible legal outcomes, not predictions of how the judge will rule. The court has not yet decided the merits of the petition.

What residents should do now

As the judgment date approaches, residents should avoid treating political rumours or claims from either camp as established facts. They should rely on official court information and credible reporting.

Community leaders, political supporters and local authorities also have a role in encouraging calm, respectful discussion and preventing political disagreements from turning into hostility.

Whatever the outcome, residents’ priorities remain important: effective representation, accountability and attention to the development needs of Bukimbiri.

The November 13 judgment will provide a legal answer to the dispute. How political actors and the community respond afterwards will also matter.

WESPA Media will follow the judgment and explain its implications for Bukimbiri residents.