BY DANIEL MUMBYA: The Iganga High Court has set October 27, 2026, as the date for delivering judgment in an election petition challenging the academic qualifications of Bukoli South Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdu Adidwa.
The petition was filed by Sande Clement Achoga, who is challenging Adidwa’s election on allegations that some of his academic documents are not genuine.
The court has heard several witnesses in the case, including the Academic Registrar of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale Campus, who was summoned to clarify the authenticity of the academic records presented before court.
During the proceedings, the Academic Registrar presented documents relating to the academic qualifications in question and was cross-examined by lawyers representing both parties.
Counsel Kyoteite Muhussein of Galisonga and Company Advocates, who represents Achoga, said the evidence presented before court supports his client’s petition.
“The court has listened to our witnesses today, including the Academic Registrar from IUIU. We believe the evidence is clear, and we are now waiting for judgment on October 27, 2026. We trust the court will deliver justice,” Muhussein said.
He added that the petition was intended to establish whether the academic qualifications presented by the elected MP meet the legal requirements for serving in Parliament.
On his part, Hon. Abdu Adidwa maintains that his academic documents are genuine and that he is legally qualified to serve as the Member of Parliament for Bukoli South. His defence team has presented evidence in response to the allegations.
Justice Patience Lubagumya adjourned the matter and confirmed that judgment will be delivered on October 27, 2026.
The case has attracted attention in Namayingo District, with residents awaiting the court’s decision, which could have implications for the representation of Bukoli South.
The case is among several election-related petitions being heard in courts in the Busoga sub-region.
Other cases include a petition involving the Bugiri District Woman Member of Parliament, with Namumbya Rebecca of the National Unity Platform and Namatende Eunice of the National Resistance Movement named in the dispute.
In Kaliro District, a petition concerning Bulamogi County involves Mugoya Bernard Mutebi and Nadeba Sanon over allegations relating to academic qualifications, including whether the required equivalent of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) was obtained.
In Namutumba District, another petition involves State Minister for Lands, Persis Namuganza, and Naganda Katoko, with allegations relating to violence during the election.