Supreme Court Okays Bobi Wine to Withdraw Election Petition

BOBI WINE ELECTION PETITION: The Supreme Court of Uganda has granted request by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine to withdraw his Presidential election petition where he contested to challenge the results of Jan 14 elections.

The Supreme Court judges led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo agreed to allow withdraw of the case because it was not challenged by the respondents .

“Considering there is no objection by the respondent, leave is hereby granted as prayed. The petition stands withdrawn,” the court decided in the ruling read by Justice Stella Arach-Amoko.

While the withdraw was not challenged, there was contention on whether or not the court should grant costs to the responds who include President Yoweri Museveni, the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General

Bobi Wine’s lawyers earlier pleaded with the court to let all parties meet their own costs for the case.

The Judges promised to deliver their ruling on this matter on notice.

Appearing before court today, NUP lawyers led by Counsel Medard Lubega Segonaexplained that their move to withdrawal election petition is not influenced by any corrupt bargain as also confirmed by respondent’s affidavits.

Ssegona asked the court that each party bear their costs after the withdrawal.

Kyagulanyi had on 1st February 2021 filed a petition to the Supreme Court challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in the just concluded January general elections saying that the election was not free and fair.

Bobi Wine in his petition contended that throughout the campaign period the People of Uganda generally, and more particularly his supporters endured untold suffering, torture, degrading and inhuman treatment on the orders of Gen Museveni.

He cited among others the dark days of 18th and 19th November 2020 which saw over 50 innocent, unarmed citizens murdered in cold blood by the police and military.

In February Supreme Court chaired by the chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo dismissed Kyagulanyi’s request to file more affidavits supporting his 26 claims of election fraud, for which he wants president-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni annulled.