Ssekikubo just got his case thrown out over a technicality. The High Court shot down his challenge against Emmanuel Rwashande's nomination for Lwemiyaga. Justice Joyce Kavuma ruled that the sitting MP filed his appeal way too late. She stated that election law has a strict five-day window for these things.
The judge said courts cannot extend that deadline for any reason. She emphasized that election matters require absolute timeliness. This decision effectively keeps Rwashande on the ballot for the parliamentary seat.
Both men were cleared by the Electoral Commission to run in Sembabule District. Ssekikubo had complained about Rwashande's nomination papers. The commission dismissed his petition earlier.
Ssekikubo argued that the commission delayed telling him their decision. He asked the High Court to excuse his late filing. Justice Kavuma was not having it.
Evidence showed his lawyers got the ruling the same day it was made. The five-day countdown started immediately. His appeal missed the cutoff, so the court lacked jurisdiction.
The judge struck out the entire appeal as invalid. She also dismissed his application to have it validated. This ends the legal roadblock for Rwashande's campaign.
However, the court did not award legal costs against the loser. Justice Kavuma noted that election cases serve the public interest. Each side will cover its own expenses.
This prevents discouraging future candidates from seeking legal redress. The ruling finalizes the candidate list for Lwemiyaga Constituency. Voters will choose between them this year.
The judge said courts cannot extend that deadline for any reason. She emphasized that election matters require absolute timeliness. This decision effectively keeps Rwashande on the ballot for the parliamentary seat.
Both men were cleared by the Electoral Commission to run in Sembabule District. Ssekikubo had complained about Rwashande's nomination papers. The commission dismissed his petition earlier.
Ssekikubo argued that the commission delayed telling him their decision. He asked the High Court to excuse his late filing. Justice Kavuma was not having it.
Evidence showed his lawyers got the ruling the same day it was made. The five-day countdown started immediately. His appeal missed the cutoff, so the court lacked jurisdiction.
The judge struck out the entire appeal as invalid. She also dismissed his application to have it validated. This ends the legal roadblock for Rwashande's campaign.
However, the court did not award legal costs against the loser. Justice Kavuma noted that election cases serve the public interest. Each side will cover its own expenses.
This prevents discouraging future candidates from seeking legal redress. The ruling finalizes the candidate list for Lwemiyaga Constituency. Voters will choose between them this year.
