Sodo, Tumwebaze Reject Mediation Proposal in Mawogola North Election Petition

Mawogola North Member of Parliament Aine Godfrey Kaguta, popularly known as Sodo, and his election challenger, Jet John Tumwebaze Ndamagi, have rejected a court proposal to settle their election dispute through mediation.

The two parties rejected the proposal by Justice Bernard Namanya on Tuesday, shortly after appearing before the High Court to address preliminary matters in the election petition arising from the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections.

Tumwebaze’s petition seeks to have Kaguta’s election nullified on account of his his academic qualifications and alleged electoral malpractices during the January 15 polls. On academic qualifications, Tumwebaze alleges that Kaguta did not possess or present the minimum educational documents required for election to Parliament at the time of his nomination.

He contends that Kaguta lacked the relevant Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) documents. The petitioner further accuses the Electoral Commission and the returning officer of acting unlawfully by accepting Kaguta’s nomination without the requisite academic documentation. 

Kaguta has strongly disputed the allegations. In his affidavit in reply, he maintains that he completed the minimum formal education required by law and that his academic qualifications were verified by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). 

He relies on verification letters from UNEB relating to his UCE and UACE qualifications. Kaguta also argues that any discrepancies between the names appearing on his academic documents and his official names were legally addressed through a deed poll. His lawyers have additionally raised a preliminary legal objection, arguing that any challenge to his academic qualifications should have been pursued before polling rather than through an election petition filed after the declaration of results. 

Tumwebaze also accuses Kaguta and individuals allegedly associated with his campaign of involving armed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel in the electoral process. He alleges that soldiers were deployed at several polling stations, where they intimidated voters, assaulted election agents and supervisors, and interfered with the voting process. 

The petitioner further claims that some of his polling agents were arrested or detained, preventing them from effectively monitoring the exercise and obtaining declaration of results forms. His camp is also accused of ballot stuffing, multiple voting, voting by unregistered persons, discrepancies in declaration of results forms and voter bribery. 

Tumwebaze contends that the alleged irregularities were widespread across Mawogola North and substantially compromised the credibility and outcome of the election. However, he points out the areas of Kyolola Trading Centre, Rwekishugi C.O.U., Mabindo, Kasansa Trading Centre, Kiwuula Playground and Kabarekeera Primary School.

Tumwebaze also alleges that some voters were offered money, drinks and other benefits in exchange for supporting Kaguta. But Kaguta has denied all allegations of electoral malpractice in his affidavit in reply, maintaining that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that his victory reflected the genuine will of the electorate.

Today, Justice Namanya had encouraged the parties to use the period before their next court appearance to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), suggesting that they could engage in discussions and establish whether an amicable settlement was possible. However, both Kaguta and Tumwebaze insisted that the matter should proceed to a full trial. 

He maintained that the allegations against him should be tested through the judicial process and expressed confidence that the court would ultimately determine the dispute.