January 17, 2024.
KAMPALA, Uganda | The High Court in Kampala has dismissed a case filed by former Mbarara Municipality parliamentary contestant, Bwengye Deusdedit. The case sought to compel the Electoral Commission to register the National Revolution for the Restoration of Uganda (NARRU) political party.
Deusdedit’s application to reserve the party’s name and symbols was denied by the Electoral Commission on October 5, 2021. The commission argued that the proposed name was too similar to existing entries in the register, namely the ‘National Resolution Party’ and the ‘African Restoration Party.’
Claiming the commission provided no legal basis for the refusal, Deusdedit objected to the decision and sought reconsideration, alleging that the rejection was illegal, irrational, malicious, and against the principles of justice, equity, and common sense.
In response, the Electoral Commission defended its decision, stating that the proposed name closely resembled already reserved party names. The commission’s representative highlighted discrepancies such as the use of the map of Uganda as a party symbol, which contradicts the law, and the slogan ‘Power to the People,’ which resembles one already reserved for the Uganda Meritocracy Party.
Justice Boniface Wamala, while delivering the ruling, emphasized that no breach of rules or natural justice, bad faith, or bias was established. He commended the Electoral Commission for considering the application and providing reasons based on the law for the rejection.
The judge clarified that the allegations against the Electoral Commission were unfounded, and no illegality had been established. Consequently, he dismissed the case and ordered Deusdedit to bear the costs.
