The victory of Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu in the Kalungu West parliamentary race has come under scrutiny after the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered a recount of votes.
Chief Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe scheduled the recount for Friday, January 23, 2026, to examine ballots after Ssemakula Ismael filed a petition challenging Ssewungu’s win.
The decision comes after a nail-biting finish in which the MP-elect beat his challenger by only 46 votes.
Official Electoral Commission results show Ssewungu scored 10,106 votes, while Ssemakula tallied 10,060 votes, prompting the court to step in to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Ssewungu said he respects the ruling and appealed for calm among Kalungu West residents.
“For me, I respect the court’s decision, but at least my happiness is that the Chief Magistrate has accepted that the recount be taken in Kalungu, where we are objecting under the people,” Ssewungu said.
He warned supporters against violence or abusive language during the process.
“My only prayer is that the people of Kalungu kindly keep calm, avoid abusive language and don’t attack anyone,” he added.
The recount will be closely monitored by political party agents and election observers, with the outcome set to confirm whether Ssewungu’s narrow victory will stand or if the results will shift in favour of Ssemakula.
