The Mubende Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a petition seeking a vote recount in the recently concluded Kassanda North parliamentary election, officially confirming Patrick Nsamba Oshabe as the duly elected Member of Parliament.
In his ruling delivered on Friday, 23rd January, 2026, Chief Magistrate Norbert Ssajjabi said that the petitioner, Isaac Kamulegeya, failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant a recount.
“Petitioner Isaac Kamulegeya has not presented sufficient evidence to justify a recount,” Chief Magistrate Ssajjabi stated.
The court emphasized that claims of electoral irregularities must be supported by clear, verifiable proof, particularly in tightly contested races.
According to official results from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Oshabe won the seat with 12,274 votes, narrowly defeating Kamulegeya, who got 12,158 votes, a margin of just 116 votes.
Despite the slim difference, the court stressed that a narrow result alone does not justify reopening the tallying process.
Under Uganda’s electoral laws, a vote recount can only be ordered if a petitioner demonstrates substantial non-compliance with electoral procedures that could have affected the outcome.
Courts have consistently upheld this standard to maintain the integrity and finality of election results.
The ruling clears the way for Oshabe to assume office, bringing finality to the Kassanda North parliamentary contest and reinforcing confidence in the judicial oversight of Uganda’s electoral process.
