The Judiciary today begins hearing of the 346 election petitions arising from the 2026 General Elections, with 100 judicial officers assigned to expedite their disposal.
The cases include 157 petitions before the High Court, to be handled by 48 judges, and 189 petitions before Chief Magistrates’ Courts, to be handled by 52 Chief Magistrates.
High Court hearings will run from today, September 14th, until November 13th, while hearings before the Chief Magistrates’ Courts will begin on September 21st and are expected to end by October 30th.
The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has directed the judicial officers to give the petitions priority and avoid commitments that could interfere with the hearing programme.
She also urged courts to fix cases promptly, avoid unnecessary adjournments and enforce court directions to ensure the petitions are handled expeditiously.
Masaka High Court has the highest number of petitions, with 21 cases, while Makindye Chief Magistrates’ Court has the highest number among the lower courts, with 31 petitions.
Masaka High Court which has the highest number of petitions assigned with five judges. The Civil Division follows with 17 petitions allocated to four Judges, while Mukono High Court has 14 petitions to be handled by three Judges.
Iganga High Court has been assigned three Judges to handle 13 petitions, while
Mbarara High Court has three Judges allocated to 10 petitions.
Wakiso High Court also has 10 petitions, which will be handled by two Judges.
