The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Tororo District has dismissed Sarah Opendi’s request for a vote recount in the January 15, 2026, election. Opendi, who was the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, accused her opponent of ballot stuffing and vote tally manipulation at several polling stations.

Despite Opendi’s claims, the Electoral Commission declared Angella Akoth as the winner with 78,542 votes. Akoth won by just 35 votes. On January 23, 2026, the court granted Opendi’s request for a recount. It ordered the Electoral Commission to present the ballot boxes from the disputed polling stations for inspection on January 24.

Tampered Ballot Boxes Raise Concerns

The Electoral Commission transported the ballot boxes to the court under heavy security. However, upon inspection, two of the boxes had broken seals. This raised suspicions of tampering and became a key issue in the case. The court needed to decide whether these tampered materials could be used in a fair recount.

Chief Magistrate Irene Nantebya ruled on January 27, dismissing the petition. She stated that the tampered ballot boxes compromised the integrity of the recount. Nantebya explained that the court could not proceed under such circumstances without risking the fairness of the process.

Opendi’s Reaction

After the ruling, Opendi expressed respect for the decision but said she would consult her lawyers about the next steps. She stated that the court’s outcome not only affected her but also the people of Tororo District who supported her candidacy. Opendi added that she had sufficient evidence to take further legal action if necessary.

Akoth’s Response

Akoth welcomed the court’s ruling, praising it for upholding the will of the people. She promised to focus on advocating for her constituents once she is sworn in as the District Woman MP. Akoth’s victory was affirmed, ending the legal dispute over the January election.

This decision marks the conclusion of the legal battle for Tororo’s Woman MP seat, with Akoth remaining the elected representative. It highlights the challenges of maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring fair elections.