Court has
quashed the Kilak North parliamentary election vote recount petition. The Nwoya Chief Magistrate, Francis Dawa
Matenga delivered his ruling Wednesday morning on an application filed by Christopher
Ojera, the Kilak North NRM candidate in Amuru district.
Ojera ran to
court through his lawyer, Brian Watmon on January 22, 2021 after losing the January
14th, 2021 polls to his Forum for Democratic Change-FDC rival, Anthony
Akol. In his petition, Ojera claimed that the election was marred by irregularities,
voter bribery and malpractices perpetuated by his rival.
According to
poll results declared by Gertrude Ajwang Obua, the Amuru District Registrar,
Akol emerged the winner with 6,534 votes against Ojera`s 6,366 votes. But on Wednesday,
Matenga threw out the vote recount application with costs, saying it was filed
beyond the four days stipulated time. Akol was represented by his lawyers Lloyd
Corobiya and Geoffrey Komakech.
Michael
Lakony, the Amuru District Chairperson and FDC Chairperson, welcomed the court
decision, saying it was their second victory.
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Akol`s lead lawyer Komakech said that they will file an application for
compensation of Shillings 80 million next week for their time, expenses and
damages incurred in the suit. Ojera told our reporter that he didn’t have a
comment when approached shortly after the court ruling.
The Kilak North Parliamentary race attracted eight candidates. The others are
Ocan John Bosco, Christopher Odongkara, Julius Omony, David Okello, Tugume
Julius and Simba Francis, all Independent candidates.
Emmy Daniel Ojara is a young journalist and has been practicing since 2013, during which he covered land rights violation in the contested Apaa and Lakang in Amuru as his first take ups while at Gulu Fm, Favor Fm and later Paidha Fm and Speak Fm where he is still attached.
Human rights abuses and denied access to land by security and government agencies has been the major aftermath of the contest over the lands. The underprivileged such as women, children and the elderly faced challenges in accessing soc
