Kitgum court dismisses election petition against Chua West MP Adum
The petition was filed by independent candidate Eng. Allan Akena, who sought a court order nullifying Adum's election, citing alleged irregularities during the nomination and electoral processes.
Speaking after the ruling, Simon Peter Oryem Adum said the legal battle had prevented him from fully concentrating on his legislative responsibilities. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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The Kitgum High Court on November 10 dismissed with costs an election petition challenging the victory of Chua West County Member of Parliament, Simon Peter Oryem Adum, in the 2026 general elections.
The petition was filed by independent candidate Eng. Allan Akena, who sought a court order nullifying Adum's election, citing alleged irregularities during the nomination and electoral processes.
In his petition, Akena questioned the validity of Adum's nomination, arguing that only nine people endorsed his nomination papers instead of the required ten.
He also raised concerns over academic qualifications and alleged voter bribery, harassment of his supporters and claims that more than 60 deceased persons participated in the election, and bias from electoral commission staff in other parts of the Chua West constituency, among other grounds.
He said some of the allegations were not committed individually by the respondent, so it is not his responsibility to be held liable.
Walter Okidi Ladwar, counsel for Adum, said they would pursue the issue of costs following the court's decision in favour of his client.
Speaking after the ruling, Adum said the legal battle had prevented him from fully concentrating on his legislative responsibilities.
He, however, called upon those who challenged his election to put aside their differences and work together for the development of Chua West County.
Adum secured 9,024 votes, defeating Eng. Allan Akena, who garnered 7,602 votes.
The incumbent MP, Okin P.P. Ojara, finished second-last, ahead of only Joseph Okelowange Ogwang of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC).
The 2026 Chua West County parliamentary race attracted several candidates, including Simon Peter Oryema Adum of the NRM, Eng. Allan Akena (Independent), Solomon Oscar Nokrach of the Democratic Party (DP), Ann Nagudi Okot (Independent), Okin P.P. Ojara (Independent) and Joseph Okelowange Ogwang of the UPC.
Following the dismissal of the petition, Eng. Akena has not yet announced whether he intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.