Former presidential candidate, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, has today withdrawn a petition challenging the victory of President Yoweri Museveni, citing ‘biasness’ among judges.
Kyagulanyi dragged Museveni to court citing irregularities that marred the electoral process in which the 35 years’ ruler was controversially announced winner on January 16, 2021. During the campaign period that started on November 9, 2020 and ended on January 12 this year, military and police unleashed brutality on Kyagulanyi’s supporters to the extent of killing 54 people in a mere protest.
The 39-year-old has today informed Ugandans that he had instructed his lawyers to withdraw his petition because all signs show he was not going to get justice. First, Kyagulanyi informed the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, that he wanted to file his petition on a Saturday but that was declined.
Kyagulanyi’s lawyers led by distinguished advocate, Medard Ssegona, were informed that judges do not work on weekend. But to the surprise of Ugandans, Museveni’s lawyers were allowed to file response on a Saturday.
Five days later, Kyagulanyi informed court how he intended to make some amendments in his evidence but that too was rejected by Supreme Court. Last week, Kyagulanyi submitted an application requesting to be allowed to tender in more than 200 affidavits in support of earlier evidence but court also dismissed the application.
Kyagulanyi has been requesting three judges including the Chief Justice Owiny Dollo, to disqualify themselves citing conflict of interest. Dollo defended Museveni in 2006 presidential petition filed by Dr Kizza Besigye. Two other judges Mike Chibita and Ezekiel Muhanguzi were also asked to recuse.
Chibita was Museveni’s private secretary for seven years while Muhanguzi, according to Kyagulanyi, is a relative to security minister, Gen Elly Tumwine, who is also a responded in the case.
In 2016, former prime minister, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, was allowed to file in more evidence when the trial was ongoing. Similarly, Dr Besigye was allowed to make an amendment in 2006. This has left many arguing that there was unprecedented when Kyagulanyi requested for an amendment or applied to be allowed to table in more evidence.
Ugandans who spoke to Daily Press were proud of Kyagulanyi’s move to withdraw the case saying he has succeeded in exposing the judiciary that dances to Museveni’s tunes. Enock Kitakule, a Boda-boda rider and Kyagulanyi supporter said: “My president [Bobi Wine] wanted to show that Ugandans judges are not independent and he has achieved it. They have shown that they are biased.”
Mariam Nansubuga, a vendor said withdrawing the case will keep Museveni guessing about the next move. “When biased judges dismiss the petition, Museveni registers that as success because it legitimizes his rigged and violent elections,” Nansubuga said.
Kyagulanyi said he was ready for anything including threats towards his life. Museveni’s lawyers had earlier threatened Kyagulanyi not to withdraw the case insisting that he would be give a huge bill for costs incurred.