RUKUNGIRI – The High Court in Rukungiri has dismissed an election petition filed by former Kinkizi West Parliamentary Candidate Hon. Victor Rushokora challenging the election of incumbent Legislator Hon. James Ruugi Kaberuka.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Hon. Rushokora, who contested as an independent candidate in the January 2026 general elections, had challenged Kaberuka’s victory, citing issues concerning his academic qualifications and nomination documents.
He also alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, including ballot stuffing and electoral fraud, although he conceded before court that he did not have sufficient evidence to pursue those allegations.
In a court ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the High Court session presided over by Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire dismissed the petition with no costs awarded against Rushokora.
Speaking to this reporter shortly after the ruling, Kaberuka welcomed the decision and urged his former competitors and their supporters to accept the outcome of the elections and work together for the development of Kinkizi West.
The legislator appreciated his legal team from Karuhanga Tabaro and Company Advocates (KTA) for defending him, and said he leaves the matter to God, whom he said knows the truth about his victory.
Cue in: Kaberuka On Court Decision. RR
Meanwhile, Hon. Ruugi Kaberuka further cautioned politicians against rushing to court simply because they have lost an election, saying winning is ultimately the will of the people.
The petitioner and former parliamentary aspirant, Hon. Victor Rushokora, said he fully respected the court’s decision and would take time to carefully consider whether to pursue any further legal action in the matter.
Cue in: Rushokora On Court Decision. RR
However, the Court ruling does not end the legal challenges against Kaberuka’s election, as a separate petition filed by fellow independent candidate John Ndungutse Ngaruye remains before the High Court, challenging the legislator’s victory.
The substantive hearing of Ndungutse’s petition is scheduled for October 1, 2026, in a contest that saw Kaberuka win the January election with 22,428 votes against Ndungutse’s 18,441 votes.
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