BOOKS OVER FORGERY: Why Mbarara City North Voters may soon welcome back their Learned son Rukaari As court Begins Hearing on Bakashaba’s Alleged Forged Papers.

By Meddy Walusimbi Omuyiribi/ Monday, 14th September, 2026.

Mbarara- The battle for Mbarara City North Division parliamentary seat is back in court, with former MP Mwesigwa Rukaari challenging election of Christopher Bakashaba over forged academic documents.

The petition is among the several high-profile cases set to be heard at High Court Mbarara today. Other cases to be heard in the same court include Ayebare Margret Rwebyambu vs Loydah Twinomujuni, Julius Karuhanga vs Charles Ngabirano of Rwampara East and Julius Tumuhimbise challenging Nathan byanyima of Bukanga North.

Rukaari who contested as an independent candidate after losing NRM flag to Bakashaba in what he termed as a sham process, filled with intimidation and voter bribery. Away from the flag battle, he also claims that the general election was marred by irregularities. Central to his petition is the allegation that his counterpart’s academic documents are forged.

As per the documents filled before the court, the facts presented in the allegations seem to be utterly damning as one would call Bakashaba’s academic documents a proof Nasser Road forgery hub in Kampala.

The case comes at a time when the Inspector General of Government has intensified its crackdown on academic forgery. Highlighting academic documents forgery as an act of corruption and if convicted, the culprit will be required to pay salaries they earned from positions they were not qualified to hold, as well as so many other charges.

Furthermore, this case comes at a time when students are returning to school for their third term, and among those who wished them blessings was Hon. Bakashabe in his tweet earlier today; “To all school- going children, I wish you a safe, successful third term. As you return, may you be blessed with wisdom, discipline, good health and determination to reach your academic goals”. while his critics say that he has no moral authority to talk about academics at all.

Earlier in February, Rukaari appealed to Bakashaba to avoid shame and voluntarily step aside and relinquish his victory for the sake of his Family and the people of Mbarara City North, saying the outcome of the election remains contested. Known for his calm demeanor, Rukaari is confident that he will walk back to parliament in no time.

With the court now set to examine what the petitioner describes as utterly damning evidence, on academic credentials, supporters of Rukaari are optimistic that truth and merit will prevail, paving way for his return to parliament. Our cameras are right in Mbarara to capture all the details.