On 27th March 2026, what was meant to be a straightforward legal step turned into a dramatic confrontation at the High Court of Fort Portal -one that exposed the lengths to which some actors are willing to go to frustrate justice.
Following days of preparation after the elections, we finalized and moved to file an election petition challenging the declaration of Lawrence Akugizibwe as the winner of Mwenge North Constituency. Every document was in place. Every legal requirement had been met. What remained was the formal act of filing.
But upon arrival at the court premises, events took a dangerous and calculated turn.
As my colleague, John Bosco Tibeeha, retrieved the petition files from the car, an individual identified as Ahebwa Moses suddenly grabbed the booklets and attempted to flee. What followed was not hesitation-but action.
I immediately pursued him. In a brief but intense struggle, I physically intercepted him and brought him down in Rukiga they call it “okutema engwara”, forcing him to release part of the documents. As he fell, some of the files scattered and were quickly recovered by Tibeeha.
However, in the confusion, other accomplices-waitin
On a motorcycle-managed to escape with a portion of the documents.
It was a clear, coordinated attempt to disrupt the filing process, delay us beyond the legal timeframe, and ultimately deny the people of Mwenge North their right to justice having witnessed alot of irregularities in the recently concluded elections.
But the plan failed.
Despite the interference, we reorganized ourselves within moments. The documents we recovered were sufficient, and with determination, we proceeded to file the petition successfully within the required time.
Court security responded to the scene and apprehended Ahebwa Moses, who was later handed over to the police for further investigation.
This incident is not just about stolen papers-it is about an attack on democracy. It is about an attempt to silence the lawful pursuit of justice. It is about fear meeting resistance-and failing.
We strongly condemn this act of intimidation and call upon authorities to investigate all individuals involved, including those who may have sent them. The truth must come to light, and accountability must follow.
Our position remains firm: we will pursue this petition to its logical conclusion. We will defend the integrity of the vote. And we will not be deterred by fear, by force, or by sabotage.
The people of Mwenge North deserve justice, and justice is exactly what we intend to fight for.
More details will be shared as the situation stabilizes.
Hon. Natukunda B Innocent Rutekanga
Former candidate Member of Parliament 2026, Mwenge North & Team Leader NUP Tooro sub – region .
bnatukundainno@gmail.com
