Hon. Ruhindi Thanks Nakawa East Voters for Turning Up in Support at High Court

Nakawa East Member of Parliament, Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi, has expressed appreciation to his supporters and voters who turned up in large numbers at the High Court in Kampala on Friday as the election petition challenging his victory came up for hearing.

Hon. Ruhindi thanked the residents of Nakawa East for demonstrating their support by attending the court proceedings, saying their presence had given him confidence as he faces the legal challenge to his election.

The MP said he remains confident that the court process will deliver a positive outcome and that his victory in the January 15, 2026 parliamentary elections will stand.

The petition was filed by National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, who is challenging the Electoral Commission's declaration of Ruhindi as the winner of the Nakawa East parliamentary seat.

Mufumbiro, who is currently being held at Luzira Prison, appeared before the High Court in Kampala under heavy security as proceedings in the election dispute continued.

Ruhindi was declared winner of the Nakawa East contest after securing 18,555 votes, against Mufumbiro's 15,186 votes, giving him a margin of 3,369 votes.

The election dispute is among several parliamentary election petitions being handled by the Kampala High Court following the 2026 general elections.

At Friday's proceedings, the case continued under the supervision of Justice Allan Nshimye, who has directed the parties to comply with a strict schedule for filing written submissions. The petitioner is required to file submissions by October 9, while the respondents are expected to file their responses by October 16.

The petition seeks to challenge the validity of Ruhindi's election, with Mufumbiro and his legal team raising issues concerning the conduct and declaration of the results. Earlier proceedings in the case have also involved arguments concerning documentary evidence and the compilation of election results.

Ruhindi's supporters, however, gathered at the court premises to show solidarity with their elected representative.

The large turnout was welcomed by Ruhindi, who described the presence of his supporters as an important demonstration of their continued confidence in his leadership.

The Nakawa East MP's return to Parliament followed a political comeback after previously representing the wider Nakawa constituency before it was divided into Nakawa East and Nakawa West. He also previously served as Attorney General and lost his parliamentary seat in the 2016 elections before returning to elective politics in 2026.

During the election campaign, Ruhindi said his long-standing engagement with residents had contributed to his return to Parliament. Following his declaration as winner, he said he had continued serving people in the area even after losing his parliamentary seat, including providing legal services to residents.

The current court battle has therefore placed Ruhindi's parliamentary victory under judicial scrutiny, with the High Court expected to consider the evidence and submissions from all parties before determining the petition.

For Ruhindi, Friday's appearance was also an opportunity to acknowledge the voters who supported him at the ballot and those who travelled to the High Court to stand with him during the legal proceedings.

As the case proceeds, the Nakawa East MP has maintained confidence in the judicial process while urging his supporters to remain calm and patient as the court considers the petition.