The Supreme Court has ordered responses from President Yoweri Museveni’s lawyers, the Electoral Commission (EC), and the Attorney General to former candidate Robert Kasibante’s application to withdraw his petition challenging the January 15, 2026, presidential election results.
In a closed-door meeting with nine justices led by Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, the court directed this step to guide next procedures. Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka confirmed the EC’s discovery application, seeking nationwide forensic data like biometric records and servers has abated. The AG’s chambers, after robust defense efforts, will not oppose withdrawal and seeks dismissal, considering internal consultation on costs.
EC lead counsel Mwesigwa Rukutana welcomed the move, viewing it as Kasibante’s acknowledgment that elections followed the Constitution. He regretted the lost chance for a precedent-setting ruling.
Kasibante, who garnered 33,440 votes against Museveni’s 7,946,772, cited lack of funding (needing Sh7 billion total, Sh3 billion already spent) and evidence from parties that pledged but failed support. He sold property to fund it but couldn’t afford forensic audits requiring expert equipment and weeks of verification.
Previously, Kasibante alleged irregularities like violence, bribery, and transparency lapses, seeking nullification and fresh polls. The court had set cross-examination for February 9 and submissions deadlines, with judgment slated for February 18.
Parties await court guidance, affirming the elections’ peacefulness and the EC’s declaration of Museveni’s victory.
