A Ugandan High Court has rejected an application by State Minister Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye to introduce an additional witness in a parliamentary election petition challenging his victory in Nakaseke Central.

The ruling was delivered on October 14 by the High Court sitting in Luwero, where former MP Allan Mayanja Ssebunya is contesting the results of the January 2026 parliamentary election.

Kyofatogabye, who stood on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, was declared the winner, while Mayanja contested the outcome through a petition alleging irregularities in the electoral process.

The minister’s legal team sought permission to call an additional witness, reportedly a police officer, to challenge aspects of the evidence presented by Mayanja’s witnesses. Mayanja’s lawyers objected, arguing that introducing another witness at that stage would delay proceedings.

Justice Samuel Emokor upheld the objection, allowing the hearing to continue without the proposed additional witness.

The proceedings have included testimony from polling agents and questions about declaration-of-results forms. Mayanja’s legal team has disputed signatures appearing on some documents, while the defence has challenged the credibility of the witnesses’ accounts.

Both sides maintain confidence in their respective cases. The court is continuing to examine the evidence, and the allegations of electoral irregularities have not yet been conclusively determined.

The case is being closely watched because its outcome could affect the parliamentary representation of Nakaseke Central. The final decision will rest with the court after the parties have presented their evidence and arguments.