The institution has been waiting for more than a month for funds from the Ministry of Finance
A biometric voter verification machine displays an “Error” message as an Electoral Commission official operates it on January 15, 2026 during Uganda’s general election. PHOTO/TONNY ABET The Judiciary is facing a financial crisis that has stalled the hearing of 118 election petitions arising from the January 2026 general elections, raising concerns over compliance with legally mandated tight timelines for resolving electoral disputes. Sources within the Judiciary revealed that the institution has been waiting for more than a month for funds from the Ministry of Finance to facilitate judges across the country to hear parliamentary and Local Council election petitions filed before the High Court. According to the sources, the Judiciary's proposed budget for hearing the petitions was removed from the ministerial policy statement because the exact number of cases to be filed could not be determined in advance. "Our budget for the hearing of election petitions was removed from the ministerial statement on grounds that it was speculative since we could not tell exactly how many petitions would be filed," a source who preferred anonymity said over the weekend. The source added that the Judiciary had requested at least part of the funds to enable the commencement of hearings, with the balance to be provided after the exact number of petitions was established. "We pleaded with them to give us at least half of the required funds so that we could start the process and receive the balance once the exact number of petitions was known, but our request was not considered," the source said. Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, the High Court is required to conclude the hearing and determination of parliamentary election petitions within six months from the date of filing. Appeals arising from the decisions are handled by the Court of Appeal, which serves as the final court in parliamentary and Local Council election disputes. However, more than a month has already elapsed without any of the petitions being heard. "The concerned parties and their lawyers are constantly asking when hearings will commence. The delay is becoming a matter of concern and is creating anxiety among litigants," the source added. When contacted, the Judiciary spokesperson, Mr James Ereemye Mawanda, confirmed that the institution was ready to begin hearing the petitions but lacked the necessary funding. "As the Judiciary, we have been ready to start the election petitions. We have only been constrained by the budget. The six months have already started running, and we therefore need the money urgently," Mr Ereemye said at the weekend. Asked how much funding was required, he briefly said, “No exact figure ascertained.” On his part, the Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Mr Jim Mugunga, said the ministry releases funds to government entities at the beginning of every quarter and expects them to implement their activities according to approved plans and priorities. "The Ministry of Finance publicly undertakes quarterly budgetary releases at the beginning of every quarter, and we expect that ministries, departments and agencies deploy the funds released in accordance with their activity plans and priorities," Mr Mugunga said on Monday. Earlier this month, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Prof Justice Andrew Khaukha, disclosed during a training programme for Court of Appeal justices on election appeals that 118 election petitions had been filed. Of these, 107 relate to parliamentary elections, while 11 concern Local Council elections. Among the notable parliamentary election petitions are those filed by NUP's Hillary Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr Hilderman, challenging the election of former Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde for Mawokota North Constituency; Rose Nalubowa against Justin Nameere for Masaka City Woman MP; Sarah Opendi against Angella Akoth for Tororo District Woman MP; and NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya against Minsa Kabanda for Kampala Central MP. Other pending petitions include those involving Birungi Kobusingye and Harriet Nakwedde for the Kayunga District Woman MP seat, Muwonge Nkoko and Cissy Namujju for Lwengo District Woman MP, Grace Nalubega and Ruth Katushabe for Bukomansimbi District Woman MP, and Tonny Kitara against Norbert Mao for the Laroo-Pece Division parliamentary seat in Gulu City. The delay in hearing the petitions has heightened concerns about the Judiciary's ability to meet statutory deadlines and ensure timely resolution of electoral disputes. Chief Justice Flavian Zeija cautioned the appellate judges to brace for a flood of appeals once the High Court concludes hearing the petitions
