Youth leaders have opposed a court petition seeking a recount of votes in the election of Mercy Kanyesigye as National Female Youth Member of Parliament, urging the judiciary to dismiss the case.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday at Sheron Hotel in Kampala, leaders from the Uganda Youth Council described the February 6 election as transparent and credible. They rejected a petition filed by Diana Ampaire of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who is seeking a vote recount.
Stephen Nyamuhaki, Finance Secretary for Young People in Rwampara District, said the entire electoral process was conducted openly and in full view of delegates and the media.
“In broad daylight, with the presence of the media, Mercy Kanyesigye was declared the winner. The entire process was covered by various media houses, and the results were made public for everyone to see,” Nyamuhaki said.
He expressed surprise that the losing candidate is now demanding a recount.
“The media was present, and the people saw who won. Yet one of the candidates is now rejecting the outcome and demanding a recount,” he added.
Nyamuhaki questioned the logic of seeking a recount at only one polling station.
“We are puzzled by the call for a recount in just one polling station that had about 450 delegates. What exactly is this candidate looking for?” he asked.
He also dismissed claims by a witness who testified in court.
“Last week in court, a witness named Collins claimed that he had complained about the election but was ignored. Yet videos circulating on social media do not show either Collins or the candidate, Honorable Diana, protesting the results on that day,” he said.
According to Nyamuhaki, the election was conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, with its chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, present.
“On the same day of the election, Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, was present and witnessed everything that took place. She did not raise any concern about irregularities. She accepted that the election was conducted well and that a winner was declared,” he said.
Sarah Kyomuhangi, another youth leader, raised concerns about the integrity of a potential recount.
“We do not even know where the ballot box is. During the court hearing in Hoima, there was heavy military presence at the Electoral Commission office. There were also people in plain clothes inside whom we could not identify. How can we trust that the ballot box has not been tampered with?” she asked.
Kyomuhangi also cautioned against claims that the petition is politically backed.
“We have also received information that the same candidate is claiming she is being supported by President Museveni, who is pushing her to go to court and reclaim the victory,” she said.
“We ask the President or State House officials to clarify whether this is true, because such claims are tarnishing the President’s name,” she added.
Nyamuhaki called on the public to defend Kanyesigye’s victory, describing her as an experienced youth leader.
“We call upon the public and all stakeholders to stand up and defend the victory of Mercy Kanyesigye. She contested in the primaries, was unfairly treated, then stood as an independent candidate, bonded with the National Council, and had previously served as chairperson of the young people in her district,” he said.
He further questioned why Ampaire, who he claimed had heavy security at the venue, did not raise concerns on election day.
“Honorable Diana Kampe had security and military support at the venue. If there were problems, she had every opportunity to raise them then,” he noted.
The youth leaders urged the court, which is expected to rule on Tuesday, February 17, to dismiss the petition.
“These inconsistencies show that the case lacks credibility and should be dismissed. We therefore pray that the court dismiss this petition because it is based on baseless and misleading claims,” Nyamuhaki said.
Kanyesigye won the National Female Youth MP seat on February 6 after securing 216 votes. Ampaire garnered 198 votes, while Julia Muhumuza received 24 votes and NUP’s Edith Namande one vote. One ballot was invalid.
Following the declaration of results, Ampaire filed a petition seeking a recount. The case was heard on Friday, February 13, with the court setting Tuesday, February 17, for its ruling.
