The Judiciary has pledged to conclude election petitions arising from Uganda’s 2026 general elections by April 2027, with more than 70 judges and about 70 chief magistrates deployed across the country to expedite the cases.

The Private Legal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Justice, His Worship Faisal Umar Mulalira, told UBC West that the Judiciary had mobilised judicial officers and resources to ensure the disputes are resolved within the proposed six-month timeframe.

Mulalira acknowledged delays in handling some petitions, attributing them to limited financial resources and inadequate human resources. He, however, said hearings had commenced, with several cases progressing towards judgment.

He explained that election petitions must be filed within 14 days of the gazetting of election results, while respondents are required to file their responses within seven days of being served.

Mulalira said petitioners who encounter difficulties serving respondents who evade court processes can apply for orders permitting substituted service through newspapers, radio stations or court notice boards.

He added that courts may receive oral evidence where affidavits have been struck out, provided the testimony relates to allegations contained in the petition.

On possible outcomes, Mulalira said courts can annul disputed election results, declare another candidate the winner or order a fresh election, depending on the evidence presented.

He said the Judiciary expects to conclude many of the petitions before Christmas, with appeals handled in the subsequent quarter, as part of efforts to clear the outstanding election disputes by April 2027.