Jewish Rabbi Losses Election Petition

Justice Paulo Mugamba has dismissed a petition filed challenging the election of Yahaya Gudoi Wojje as Bungokho North Member of Parliament. Wojje was dragged to court by Rabbi Gershom Sizomu for electoral malpractice. Sizomu contested the Bungokho North parliamentary seat on the FDC ticket and lost to Wojje.

He rejected the results and petitioned court to set aside the election results. In his affidavit Sizomu argued that the elections were fraught with irregularities like ballot stuffing, intimidation and bribery. His supporters also in their affidavits claimed that Abdu Naleba National Resistance Movement chairperson for Bufumbo Sub-county moved around the constituency on voting day with soldiers beating up those who did not support Wojje.

 

But in a ruling delivered this morning before a fully packed courtroom, Justice Mugambo said the evidence of electoral irregularity provided by the Rabbi was not sufficient enough to overturn the results of the elections. Justice Mugamba wondered why those who swore affidavits that they were beaten took three days to report the case to police.

 

He also faulted the group for seeking treatment from Rabbi Sizomu’s clinic in Mbale town instead of at the nearby Bufumbo Health Center. Wojje’s supporters who had filled the courtroom jubilated after the ruling. Sizomu however said the ruling is biased and he will consult his lawyers to seek guidance on whether to appeal against the ruling.

 

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Wojje said his lawyers will compile the costs that the Rabbi that is supposed to pay for losing the petition.