Lira High Court Sets Date for Oyam South Election Petition

15 September 2026, 9:23 am

By Finellah Akullu Opio

The High Court in Lira has set Friday, September 18, 2026, to begin hearing the election petition filed by Queen Dorothy Amolo challenging the election of Patrick Ogwang Obura as Oyam South Member of Parliament.

The petition is among 346 parliamentary election disputes currently being heard by High Courts across Uganda following the 2026 general elections.

During a pre-trial session presided over by the Masaka High Court Judge, Fatuma Bwanika, who is currently handling election petitions at Lira High Court, court examined the pleadings and sought clarification from the petitioner, Queen Dorothy Amolo, regarding her willingness to proceed with the case.

Justice Bwanika ordered the Electoral Commission in Oyam District to present all polling materials that Amolo claims were altered, scheduling the main hearing for September 18.

Speaking after the court session, Queen Dorothy Amolo expressed confidence that the court would deliver justice, alleging that the Electoral Commission improperly altered her name on the ballot papers, and it appeared as “Queen Dorothy Alweny” instead of “Queen Dorothy Amolo” on the ballot paper, hence confusing voters.

She is seeking the annulment of Ogwang Obura’s victory and a fresh election conducted under strict compliance with electoral laws.

In response, Ogwang Obura, who also serves as Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group stated that his legal team, led by Joram Edonu, attended the pre-trial session and is fully prepared to defend his victory.

Ogwang Obura dismissed the petition, arguing that the margin of victory was overwhelming and that the ballot paper issue raised by Amolo lacks legal merit.

According to results announced by Returning Officer Joseph Omona on 15th January 2026; Patrick Ogwang Obura (NRM) won with 29,353 votes, Queen Dorothy Amolo (Independent) got 3,516 votes, Benard Awuku (Independent) polled 455 votes, Patrick Obong (Independent) 777 votes, Anthony Obuku Ekwaro (Independent) 3,222 votes, Odong Godfrey (Democratic Front) 202 votes, Otto Ishaa Amiza (NUP) 2,083 votes, and Geoffrey Owili (UPC) 9,529 votes, out of a total of 49,137 valid votes cast.