By Editorial,
The Supreme Court has directed lawyers representing President Yoweri Museveni, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General to file responses to an application by former presidential candidate Robert Kasibante seeking permission to withdraw his petition challenging the outcome of the January 15 presidential election.
Mr. Kasibante, through his lawyers, Julius Galisonga, Ivan Bwowe, and John Isabirye, accused the Electoral Commission of failing to conduct a free and fair election, alleging violence, voter bribery, misuse of state resources, failure to gazette polling stations, lack of transparency in vote counting and transmission, and bias by state security agencies.
Whereas the application was scheduled for ruling today, the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka said that during the closed-door meeting, the justices directed all respondents to file responses to Kasibante’s application to withdraw the petition. AG Kirowa speaking……..
Mr. Kasibante, who was not initially present at court but later arrived following repeated calls from journalists amid a heavy Friday downpour, said he withdrew the petition due to a lack of financial support and evidence.
Mr. Kasibante speaking……..
Former Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana, the lead counsel for the Electoral Commission alongside Eric Sabiiti, the head of litigation, said the commission welcomes the withdrawal, interpreting it as an indication that the petitioner is now satisfied that the elections were conducted in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
However, Rukutana expressed disappointment that the withdrawal denies the court an opportunity to issue a ruling that could have set an important legal precedent. Counsel Rukutana speaking……..
Mr. Kasibante who had earlier remarked that he had sold his property to finance the case, added that although political parties had agreed to financially support him and provide evidence, they later failed to follow through. END