MBARARA WOMAN MP BATTLE! Five Witnesses Lined Up To Testify Against Loydah

Five witnesses have been lined up to testify as the Mbarara Woman Member of Parliament election petition returns to the High Court, with the battle now turning on the academic qualifications and documents of incumbent MP Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura.

The petition, filed by former Mbarara Woman MP Margaret Ayebare Rwebyambu, seeks to overturn Muhimbura’s victory in the January 2026 parliamentary elections.

Muhimbura, who contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, was declared winner after securing 31,364 votes, against Rwebyambu’s 16,021.

Rwebyambu challenges the validity of Muhimbura’s academic qualifications and the documents presented to support them.

The case was scheduled to proceed on Monday but suffered a delay after lawyer Caleb Alaka, representing Muhimbura, raised a preliminary objection over some of the affidavits filed by the petitioner.

Alaka also questioned the admissibility of supplementary affidavits submitted by a third party in July 2026.

However, Justice Tom Chemutai ruled that the disputed affidavits did not affect the substance of the main petition and advised the parties to proceed with examination and cross-examination of witnesses.

The court is expected to hear from five witnesses, including petitioner Rwebyambu and respondent Muhimbura.

Also lined up are Zephanas Muheesi, the Principal of Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing, Brian Twesigye and a witness from the Electoral Commission, which is the second respondent.

Rwebyambu’s lawyer, Yusuf Mutembuli, told court that the heart of the petition is whether Muhimbura possesses the academic qualifications required by law and whether the documents relied upon to demonstrate those qualifications are genuine and legally valid.

The defence, however, maintains that Muhimbura is properly qualified.

Alaka told court that his side intends to demonstrate that Muhimbura holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a Diploma in Palliative Care.

The witnesses are expected to face examination and cross-examination as the two sides battle over the academic trail presented before court.

At the end of the hearing, the High Court will have to determine whether Muhimbura’s qualifications and supporting documents satisfy the legal requirements for her to remain in office as Mbarara District Woman Member of Parliament.