Shyam Jay Tanna Retains Tororo Municipality Seat as High Court Dismisses Election Petition

By Lazima Wangadya.

Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament Shyam Jay Tanna has retained his parliamentary seat after the High Court sitting in Tororo dismissed an election petition challenging his victory in the January 15, 2026 general elections.

In Election Petition No. 003 of 2026, petitioner Yeri Apollo Ofwono challenged Tanna’s election, citing alleged bribery and acts of violence at some polling stations. The petitioner argued that the alleged electoral irregularities substantially affected the final election results.

However, in a judgment delivered electronically on Friday, October 30, 2026, Lady Justice Rosemary Bareebe dismissed the petition, ruling that the petitioner had failed to establish any of the grounds provided for under Section 80(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177.

The court consequently upheld the election and return of Shyam Jay Tanna as the directly elected Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality Constituency.

The judge also declined the petitioner’s request to be declared the duly elected Member of Parliament and ordered him to pay the taxed costs of the first and second respondents.

Tanna Calls for Unity and Development

Addressing journalists at Kanfi Hotel shortly after the ruling, Tanna thanked the people of Tororo for their prayers, encouragement and support throughout the court proceedings.

He said the time for politics was now over and that his focus would return to serving the people of Tororo Municipality.

Tanna noted that he was embarking on a journey he had started earlier, pledging to deliver services to the electorate during what he described as a “Kisanja of No Sleep.”

His remarks were met with celebrations from supporters who had gathered at Kanfi Hotel to receive the court’s decision.

The supporters broke into jubilation, chanting the MP’s name and calling for unity, peace and development across the municipality.

Appeal for Collective Development

Tanna called upon his political opponents and all residents of Tororo Municipality to put aside their differences and work together for the development of the constituency.

He emphasised the need for collective effort, urging residents to unite behind the common goal of improving service delivery and advancing development in the municipality.

With the court challenge dismissed and his election upheld, Tanna now turns his attention to fulfilling his mandate as Tororo Municipality’s Member of Parliament.