Court upholds election of Kilak North MP

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The High Court in Gulu has upheld the election of Anthony Akol, as the Member of Parliament for Kilak North County in Amuru district.

The court ruled that Akol of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party was the duly elected MP and consequently dismissed a petition by his close competitor Christopher Ojera of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Ojera petitioned the High Court to annul the election of Akol citing irregularities, voter bribery, and malpractices perpetuated by his rival.

According to the poll results declared by Gertrude Ajwang Obua, the Amuru district registrar, Akol emerged the winner with 6,534 votes against Ojera’s 6,366 votes.

However, Ojera claimed that the Apaa Primary School, Apaa Health Centre and Apaa Market polling stations in Apaa township with about 5,000 voters were not under Amuru district but in Mungula Parish in Adjumani district.

While delivering the ruling on Monday from the Gulu High Court, Npalo Nasulu Hussein, the Deputy Registrar Gulu High Court said that Ojera’s petition lacked substance. He dismissed the petition with costs.

Through his lawyer Hassan Kamba of Atuhire Kamba Company Advocates, Ojera expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling noting that they will appeal the ruling in the Court of Appeal.

Akol who is also the chairperson of Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) welcomed his victory and said that he will focus on serving the people in his constituency and the country at large.

Akol’s lawyer Geoffrey Komakech said that they will file an application for compensation of 500 Million Shillings in the next two weeks for their time, expenses, and damages incurred in the suit.

The Kilak North Parliamentary race attracted eight candidates. The others are Ocan John Bosco, Christopher Odongkara, Julius Omony, David Okello, Tugume Julius, and Simba Francis, all independent candidates.

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