KAMPALA: Former Ugandan presidential candidate Robert Kasibante has applied to the Supreme Court of Uganda for permission to withdraw his petition challenging the results of the 2026 presidential election, citing prohibitive legal costs and the complexity of the proceedings.
In an application filed before the court, Kasibante asked for leave to withdraw the petition he had lodged against President-elect Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General.
Kasibante, who ran on the ticket of the National Peasants Party, finished sixth in the Jan. 15 election.
He had filed the petition on Jan. 17, alleging that the electoral process was marred by widespread illegalities and violations of the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act and the Presidential Elections Act.
President Museveni, through his lawyers, had already filed a response denying the allegations and asking the court to dismiss the case with costs.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, the Supreme Court is required to hear and determine presidential election petitions within 30 days of filing.
The court must now consider Kasibante’s application and decide whether to grant permission for the withdrawal and on what terms, including the question of legal costs.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced multiple election petitions after previous polls, all of which were dismissed by the Supreme Court.
It was not immediately clear when the court would rule on Kasibante’s request.
In an application filed before the court, Kasibante asked for leave to withdraw the petition he had lodged against President-elect Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General.
Kasibante, who ran on the ticket of the National Peasants Party, finished sixth in the Jan. 15 election.
He had filed the petition on Jan. 17, alleging that the electoral process was marred by widespread illegalities and violations of the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act and the Presidential Elections Act.
President Museveni, through his lawyers, had already filed a response denying the allegations and asking the court to dismiss the case with costs.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, the Supreme Court is required to hear and determine presidential election petitions within 30 days of filing.
The court must now consider Kasibante’s application and decide whether to grant permission for the withdrawal and on what terms, including the question of legal costs.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has faced multiple election petitions after previous polls, all of which were dismissed by the Supreme Court.
It was not immediately clear when the court would rule on Kasibante’s request.