Jim Muhwezi Dodges Another Bullet: Court Upholds His Election

By Evans Najuna

Three Justices of the Court of Appeal; Cheborion Basirika, Stephen Musota and Justice . C Gashirabake, on Tuesday upheld the victory of Security Minister Mj. Gen. (Rtd) Hon. Jim Katugugu Muhwezi, as the duly elected member of Parliament for Rujumbura Constituency.

The appeal against Muhwezi, the Rujumbura National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer of 2021 Elections was filed by Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party flag bearer Fred Turyamuhweza.

This was after Muhwezi had defeated Turyamuhweza with 23,990 votes against his 20,556 votes. Turyamuhweza rejected the results and petitioned the court citing voter bribery, ballot stuffing and intimidation. Kabale High High court Judge Phillip Odoki, first dismissed the petition with costs, stating that Turyamuhweza failed to prove to the satisfaction of the court on all the grounds.

The Justices also agreed with Justice Odoki lower court and dismissed the same stating that Turyamuhweza did not produce evidence that can lead to the conclusion that the election was a sham.
Speaking with media in Kampala after the ruling, on behalf of the lawyer of Jim Muhwezi, Mwesigwa Rukutana, from Mwesigwa Rukutana & Co Advocates said, they are happy as lawyers that finally the court of appeal has also found the truth but also sad that the usual practice of following the costs following the event has not been applied as expected earlier. He added that the appealant unjustifiably dragged our client to Court we deserve reason to know why there was no merit in the appeal. “He should have been condemned with costs but offcourse I can’t challenge the discretion of the court and I respect the ruling” said Rukutana. He appreciated and thanked the people of Rujumbura and Rukungiri at large for overwhelmingly voted for Gen. Jim Muhwezi and the people of Rujumbura have won. He further extended his appreciation to the people of Rujumbura for supporting and maintaining their confidence by voting his client.

The first round was for casting their vote, second round was to have the victory upheldby high court petition in Kabale and now third final and last round Which is a conclusive victory.
Minister Muhwezi reaffirms the people of Rujumbura that he was not surprised that the court of appeal ruled in his favour.

He added that the high court had already decided in his favour that there was crime during elections and the people of Rujumbura voted overwhelmingly him. “I defeated my opponent in all five Sub-counties and two town councils. I defeated my Opponent hands down” Muhwezi Said. He thanked the people of Rujumbura who have patiently waiting for this, also thanked his lawyers, NRM party and his family who has been there for him during the time of elections and final victory. He reminded the people of Rujumbura that time is now to embark on developmental programs.