Lydia Wanyoto Mutende has lost her appeal challenging the victory of her rival, Connie Nakayenze Galiwango, the Mbale city woman member of parliament.
Ms Wanyoto ran against Nakayenze in the January 2021 polls and lost with an overwhelming margin.
She protested the poll results and petitioned Mbale High court alleging electoral malpractice including among others intimidating presiding officers and tampering with the result declaration forms.
However, Justice Andrew Bashaija dismissed the petition with costs on grounds that the applicant had failed to prove her claims warranting the nullification of the poll results.
Dissatisfied with the High court decision, Wanyoto through her lawyers filed a notice of Appeal on September 30th, 2021, and lodged a Memorandum of Appeal on October 28th October 2021 to include additional evidence.
However, by the time Wanyoto filed her Memorandum of Appeal, it was late since rules 30 and 31 of the Parliamentary Elections Interim Rules provide for filing an appeal within seven days from the day of the judgment.
Wanyoto told the court that she was delayed by the failure of the Court to avail her However, a panel of three Justices comprising Elizabeth Musoke, Christopher Madrama, and Eva Luswata have dismissed the appeal, stating that by filing the application, Wanyoto and her Counsel conceded that both her Memorandum and record of appeal were filed out of time.
Hon. Connie Galiwango who now retains her seat was in jubilation following the court decision and that Wanyoto will have to pay costs as directed by the lower court. Hon. Connie speaking…….
She commends her attorneys and supporters for what he called a deliberate successful legal fight. END