BUSHENYI HIGHCOURT UPHOLDS DEO ATUHAIRE’S VICTORY IN BUHWEJU DISTRICT LC5 CHAIRPERSON ELECTIONS 2026

BFM News Updates| By Octavius Tunanukye

The High Court in Bushenyi has upheld the election of Deogratious Atuhaire Omuhatizi as Buhweju District LC5 Chairperson, dismissing a petition filed by his rival, Phillip Muhamya.

In a ruling delivered on November 13, 2026, Lady Justice Mary Ikit said Muhamya had failed to prove his claims to the satisfaction of the court, leaving Atuhaire’s election and declaration as district chairperson unchanged.

However, the court raised concerns over irregularities and violence reported at Rushambya Primary School polling station, saying the Electoral Commission had failed to properly manage the election.

The court ordered the Electoral Commission to bear its own costs, while Atuhaire will be refunded 50% of the petition costs.

Speaking after the ruling, Muhamya accepted the decision and thanked the court for hearing the case. He pledged to study the full judgment and explain its details to the public.

Deo Atuhaire also welcomed the ruling, describing it as fair and just. He said his interest remained the development of Buhweju and called on political leaders to avoid unnecessary disputes and work together.

He further promised that service delivery in the district would begin as earlier planned, while residents called on both sides to reconcile.

Buhweju District election saga followed the January 22, 2026 elections, in which the Electoral Commission declared Atuhaire the winner with 22,231 votes against Muhamya’s 19,754.

Muhamya later petitioned the High Court, alleging election irregularities, including vote tally alterations, bribery, voter intimidation and assault of his polling agent.

Today's final judgement settles the saga as Deo Atuhaire his seat as the dully elected LC5 Chairperson-Buhweju 2026-3031

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