The Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered a recount of votes cast in the Kalungu West parliamentary race following a petition challenging the election of MP-elect Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu.
Chief Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe directed that the recount be conducted on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Kalungu court premises.
The order stems from a petition filed by Ssewungu’s closest rival, Ismael Ssemakula, who challenged the election results, citing irregularities in the vote tallying process.
The recount was ordered due to the extremely narrow margin between the two candidates. According to official results released by the Electoral Commission, Ssewungu garnered 10,106 votes, while Ssemakula obtained 10,060 votes—a difference of just 46 votes.
In his ruling, Magistrate Asiimwe said the recount is necessary to ascertain the true will of the voters and to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Speaking to journalists outside court, Ssewungu said he respects the court’s decision and urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful.
“For me, I respect the court’s decision, but my happiness is that the Chief Magistrate has accepted that the recount be conducted in Kalungu, where the objections arose, under the watch of the people,” Ssewungu said.
He further appealed to residents to refrain from violence and abusive language during the process.
“My only prayer is that the people of Kalungu remain calm, avoid abusive language, and do not attack anyone,” he added.
The outcome of the recount will determine whether Ssewungu retains his parliamentary seat or if the results will be altered in favour of Ssemakula.
