Incumbent Mawokota North Member of Parliament Hillary Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr. Hilderman, has announced that he will challenge Amelia Kyambadde’s victory in court, alleging widespread electoral malpractice in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Tuesday, Hilderman claimed he won the 2026 Mawokota North parliamentary election, but that his victory was unlawfully overturned.
“I am glad to inform the nation that I won the 2026 Mawokota North parliamentary seat with a margin of more than 7,000 votes against Hon. Amelia Kyambadde,” Hilderman said.
“She managed to pull only about 17-point-something percent, yet the declared results do not reflect the will of the people.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator said the matter goes beyond his personal loss and has now become a party issue, adding that he is awaiting guidance from party leadership on the next course of action.
“Many people have been asking what is next. I belong to the National Unity Platform, and this is not only my cause but a party cause,” he said.
“We have been waiting for communication from the party to guide us on the way forward.”
Hilderman noted that consultations within the party were ongoing and that a formal position would soon be communicated by the NUP Secretary General.
“I have been informed that the party leadership met today, and we are waiting for confirmation on the next steps. But what we are seeking is justice, and we know where justice is found,” he said.
“It must be in the courts of law. We are ready for whatever it takes to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us.”
The contest between the two politicians carries a notable personal history. Before joining politics, Hilderman—then a musician—composed a campaign song for Amelia Kyambadde titled “Ameria,” which she used during her 2011 and 2016 parliamentary campaigns.
The song gained nationwide popularity, dominating airwaves far beyond Mawokota North. While many listeners perceived it as a love song, its political message was clear to local voters. Through energetic performances and lyrics symbolising unwavering loyalty—suggesting he would choose her “by any means, even through the ballot”—the song resonated strongly with the electorate, helping Kyambadde secure victory in both elections.
However, the once-close relationship began to deteriorate in 2020 when Hilderman expressed interest in contesting the Mawokota North parliamentary seat himself.
What initially circulated as rumour later became reality when he joined the People Power movement, which subsequently evolved into the National Unity Platform. NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) handed Hilderman the party ticket, and he went on to win the seat, entering the 12th Parliament.
Former allies soon became political rivals. In the January 15, 2026 general elections, Kyambadde returned to the race and was declared the winner, reclaiming the seat.
Hilderman, however, maintains that the victory was not lawfully secured and has vowed to seek redress through the courts.
