The Electoral Commission has filed an answer to Sulaiman Kidandala's Election Petition; defending the victory of the now jailed Kawempe North MP-elect Mohammed Ssegirinya.

Kidandala last month Petitioned the High Court in Kampala seeking to overturn the election of Segirinya on grounds that he does not possess the required minimum academic qualification of an MP.

However, the Electoral Commission says Kidandala is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought because Ssegirinya's  nomination and election was conducted in compliance with the provisions and principles laid down in the Electoral Laws of Uganda.

According to the affidavit of Barbra Mulimira the Returning Officer of Kampala Electoral District; at the time of nomination, Ssegirinya presented a duly filled nomination form accompanied by academic qualifications of UCE(Senior 4)  and UACE ( Senior 6) both in the names of “Ssegirinya Richard” from Pimbas Secondary School and a Deed Poll for changing of names from “Segirinya Richard” to “Segirinya Mohammed”.

The nomination, Election and gazetting of Ssegirinya by the Electoral Commission as MP Kawempe North Constituency in Kampala was done in accordance with the law having found him possessing the minimum qualification of Advanced Level and duly registered as a voter and fulfilment of other nomination requirements, the returning officer noted.

Mulimira contends that Segirinya was lawfully and validly nominated, elected, declared and gazetted as winner of the said Election having been found dully  academically qualified and obtaining the highest number of votes cast.

Segirinya is currently on remand at Kitalya Government Prison having been arrested and charged last month with inciting violence in respect to demanding for NUP's  Robert Kyagulanyi's presidential victory.

Segirinya is also required to defend his victory in 10days from the time he was served.

On 29th March 2021 High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma ordered Kidandala's Lawyers from Alaka and Company Advocates to serve Segirinya with the  election Petition in Kitalya Government Prison.