President Yoweri Museveni has filed a formal response in the Supreme Court, asking for the dismissal of a petition challenging the outcome of the 2026 presidential election lodged by former presidential candidate Robert Kasibante.
In his response, submitted through his lawyers Anthony Bazira and Usaama Sebuufu, President Museveni rejects all allegations raised in the petition and urges the court to strike it out with costs. He maintains that the 2026 presidential election was conducted in full compliance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
Kasibante, who filed the petition on January 17, argues that the electoral process was deeply flawed, alleging widespread irregularities and violations of constitutional and electoral provisions. He claims these shortcomings substantially compromised the integrity and final outcome of the presidential vote.
However, Museveni’s legal team contends that the allegations are baseless, unsupported by credible evidence, and fall short of the legal standard required to annul a presidential election. The President asserts that the Electoral Commission organised and conducted the election in a free, fair, and transparent manner, accurately reflecting the will of the voters.
The response also challenges the petition on both procedural and substantive grounds, arguing that the petitioner has failed to demonstrate how the alleged irregularities, if any, affected the final election results.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue directions on the management of the petition, including timelines for submissions and hearings. In line with constitutional requirements, the court must conclude the matter within the prescribed timeframe.
Kasibante’s petition is the latest in a series of post-election legal challenges following Uganda’s recent general elections, underscoring the judiciary’s central role in adjudicating electoral disputes.
