Security was significantly tightened in Kayunga District on Tuesday as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) filed a petition seeking a recount of ballots in the hotly contested Kayunga District Woman Member of Parliament race won by Harriet Nakwedde of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The court session came amid heightened political tensions after the January 15, 2026 general election, in which Nakwedde was declared the winner with 20,753 votes. Her closest rival, Ida Nantaba (Independent), garnered 16,138 votes, while the NRM’s Jackline Birungi came third with 15,790 votes.
NRM’s Birungi on Monday filed an application in court seeking a full recount of ballots from all 105 polling stations, arguing that the results were prematurely declared and certain station tallies were allegedly not included in the official count.
Responding to the petition, police deployed additional forces in key trading centres across Kayunga to prevent potential clashes between rival supporters. Local authorities said the heightened presence was aimed at maintaining public order as emotions run high in the aftermath of the closely fought race.
Nakwedde, speaking to journalists outside the court premises, reiterated her confidence in the electoral process and thanked her supporters for their patience.
“I respect the judicial process. We believe the law will prevail and the will of the people will be upheld,” she said, adding that she had campaigned on a platform of transparent leadership and service to the community.
Birungi, on her part, maintained that a recount was necessary to address alleged irregularities, asserting that every vote must count. She also hinted at pursuing further legal avenues should the court dismiss her application.
Nakwedde’s victory signalled a significant shift in Kayunga politics, unseating long-time political figures and bringing new energy to the district’s representation in Parliament. Previously, the constituency was represented by veteran politicians, including Ida Nantaba, a former State minister for ICT and three-term MP.
The contest in Kayunga attracted national attention, in part due to its symbolic importance for party standings in the 2026 Parliament and the broader struggle for influence between established political forces and emerging opposition figures.
The court is expected to rule on the recount petition in the coming weeks. Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for handling close electoral disputes in other parts of the country.
For now, Kayunga remains on edge, with supporters on both sides calling for calm and respect for the rule of law.
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