The Supreme Court will deliver its ruling in the petition in which Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine wants the re-election of President Museveni nullified on Thursday March 18, 2021.
This was revealed by the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny- Dollo, the head of the panel of nine justices of the Supreme Court during the pre-hearing conference on Thursday in Kampala. On 1 February, Bobi Wine petitioned the Supreme Court claiming the January 14 presidential election was marred with irregularities and fell short of constitutional requirements.
The Chief Justice also noted that the petitioners (Kyagulanyi) have up to February 14 to file their affidavits in the matter while the respondents have up to February 20 to file their affidavits in response.
The petitioners will also have to file their written submissions by February 23, whereas the respondents will be required to file their written submissions by March 2 and by March 4, the petitioners will be asked to file their rejoinder if any.
Lawyers from both sides will have a chance to cross examine witnesses and also present electronic evidence between February 25 and 26.
Chief Justice Owiny Dollo however cautioned counsels for all parties to strictly adhere to the timelines given since he has accorded them sufficient time to do whatever they want to do. He also told them to desist from issuing disparaging information in the media and respect courts decisions.
Medard Sseggona on behalf of the petitioner and Attoney General William Byaruhanga accepted the directions of the Supreme Court and agreed to abide with the set timelines.
The respondents in the election petition filed by Bobi Wine including the Attorney General, Electoral Commission and the president-elect lawyers have since made their responses to the petition.
A team of 40 lawyers has been set up to represent Museveni while 25 lawyers will represent Bobi Wine.
On Thursday 14th January, 2021, the Electoral Commission conducted presidential elections where Ugandans exercised their constitutional rights of choosing a president who will lead them through a five year term. Uganda has a total 18,103,603 registered voters and 34,684 polling stations however only 10,350,819 people turned up to vote.
The presidential election which comprised 11 candidates was won by President Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta who got 6,042,898 (58.38%). His closest opponent Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu got 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).
Timeline
February 14: Closing date for filing affidavits by Kyagulanyi lawyers
February 20: Closing date for filing of affidavits by Museveni and EC lawyers
February 23: Closing date for filing of affidavits in rejoinder by Kyagulanyi’s lawyers
February 24: Pre-hearing by the Supreme Court
February 23: Filing written submissions by the petitioner
February 25 to 26: Cross-examination for witnesses and presentation of electronic evidence
March 2: Filing written submissions in response by the respondents
March 18: Judgment day
