Court rejects bid to have judge step down from Aru
The High Court in Patong has dismissed an application to recuse Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika from an election petition regarding the 2026 Aruu County parliamentary race. The petitioner alleged bias and procedural irregularities, but the judge ruled that the applicant failed to provide credible evidence to support these claims.
Why it matters
This ruling upholds the integrity of the judicial process in election disputes, ensuring that judges cannot be removed without substantial proof of bias.
The High Court in Patong has dismissed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika from hearing and determining an election petition arising from the January 2026 Aruu County parliamentary elections. The application was filed by the petitioner against the Electoral Commission, the Returning Officer for Aruu County Constituency and Hon. Komakech Christopher, the second and third respondents, respectively. The petitioner sought the recusal of Justice Nanziri on allegations of bias, procedural irregularities and bribery. The application was filed through a letter after the conclusion of the hearing of Election Petition No. 001 of 2026. The petitioner accused the judge of altering the joint scheduling memorandum, interfering with his lawyers during cross-examination, speaking harshly to him, improperly admitting the testimony of the second respondent through Zoom and being linked to alleged bribery.
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