The High Court in Mbale has received an election petition challenging the victory of Namisindwa County Member of Parliament, Nanzala Metrine, following the January 2026 general elections.
The petition, filed by Hon. Masika Apollo, a runner-up in the race, seeks to nullify the election results on grounds that the declared winner was not qualified to contest for the parliamentary seat.
According to court documents, Nanzala Metrine was declared the duly elected MP after securing 9,521 votes, while Masika garnered 6,196 votes. The results were later published in the Uganda Gazette on March 2, 2026.
Masika alleges that at the time of nomination and election, Metrine was not a Ugandan citizen, contrary to Article 80(1)(a) of the 1995 Constitution and provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
The petitioner claims that information from constituents and records obtained through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) suggest that Metrine was born in Kenya and later relocated to Uganda. The petition further alleges that her national identification documents were obtained fraudulently.
However, when contacted for a comment, Metrine dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated, insisting that she is a legitimate Ugandan citizen and was duly nominated and elected in accordance with the law.
“I am a Ugandan citizen, and all my documents were verified by the relevant authorities before I was cleared to contest. These claims are baseless and intended to mislead the public,” she said.
She added that she is ready to defend her victory in court and expressed confidence that the petition will not succeed.
The Electoral Commission, listed as the second respondent, has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
Masika is asking court to declare that Metrine is not a Ugandan citizen, was not qualified to stand for election, and that her election be set aside.
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