The tight contest for Kalungu West parliamentary seat is set for a recount after the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court intervened following a legal challenge.
Chief Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe directed that the vote recount take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the court premises in Kalungu.
The move comes after Ssemakula Ismael petitioned the court to challenge the victory of MP-elect Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, citing the razor-thin margin between the two candidates.
Official results released by the Electoral Commission show Ssewungu secured 10,106 votes, narrowly edging out Ssemakula, who garnered 10,060 votes—a difference of just 46 votes.
The slim gap prompted the court to order the recount in order to ensure transparency and restore confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Ssewungu said he respects the court’s decision and called on Kalungu West residents to maintain calm.
“For me, I respect the court’s decision, but at least my happiness is that the Chief Magistrate has accepted that the recount be taken in Kalungu, where we are objecting under the people,” Ssewungu said.
He further urged the public to avoid any form of violence or abusive language.
“My only prayer is that the people of Kalungu kindly keep calm, avoid abusive language and don’t attack anyone,” he added.