By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
The High Court in Gulu on Wednesday 1st April 2026 summoned Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister also MP elect for Laroo- pece Division Constituency in Gulu City, Nobert Mao to defend himself in 10 days against allegations that he bribed his way to Parliament.
This follows an election petition filed by his political rival and 2nd runner up in the concluded General elections, Kitara Tonny challenging his victory where Mao emerged Winner with 7,359 votes against 2,867 votes for Kitara.
The election race had seven candidates for this MP position and Kitara says he is aggrieved by the declaration of Nobert Mao as the validly elected MP for Laroo- peace Division Constituency in Gulu City.
Through his Lawyers Caleb Alaka and Ochieng Evans, the Petitioner wants the Court to set aside Mao’s election and order for fresh elections because there was noncompliance with the provisions laid down in the Parliamentary elections Act which affected the result of the election of 15th January 2026 in a substantial manner.
Kitara argues that Mao interrupted his campaign programs, used his official vehicle and Police escorts to campaign throughout the Constituency, committed illegal practices and electoral offences like bribery of women groups at Gulu Town Primary School with 150,000shs on 15th December 2025 among others.
Kitara also accuses the Electoral Commission of having refused to address his numerous complaints on conduct of the elections thus giving Nobert Mao unfair advantage over the Petitioner and other candidates.
