Uganda's High Court just shut down another attempt to get prisoners a vote. Judge Bernard Namanya threw out activist Aloyo Nyeko Omega's case. He ruled the issue was already settled by a previous court decision. The activist wanted to force the Electoral Commission to make arrangements for inmates.
Omega argued that blocking prisoners from voting violated their constitutional rights. He cited an earlier High Court ruling that recognized those rights. His application sought to halt elections until the commission complied.
Judge Namanya straight-up said no. He invoked the legal principle preventing re-litigation of settled matters. The judge stated that the court cannot reconsider the same question again.
He pointed to a 2020 case as the final word on prisoner voting rights. That earlier ruling declared all adults over eighteen could vote, including inmates. It directed the electoral body to facilitate registration and participation.
The judge acknowledged Omega's claim about non-implementation. He still found the new application legally barred from proceeding. The case was dismissed without any cost orders.
Uganda continues preparing for national elections this year. The debate over practical voting methods for prisoners remains unresolved. The commission has yet to establish a system for inmate participation.
Omega argued that blocking prisoners from voting violated their constitutional rights. He cited an earlier High Court ruling that recognized those rights. His application sought to halt elections until the commission complied.
Judge Namanya straight-up said no. He invoked the legal principle preventing re-litigation of settled matters. The judge stated that the court cannot reconsider the same question again.
He pointed to a 2020 case as the final word on prisoner voting rights. That earlier ruling declared all adults over eighteen could vote, including inmates. It directed the electoral body to facilitate registration and participation.
The judge acknowledged Omega's claim about non-implementation. He still found the new application legally barred from proceeding. The case was dismissed without any cost orders.
Uganda continues preparing for national elections this year. The debate over practical voting methods for prisoners remains unresolved. The commission has yet to establish a system for inmate participation.
