Another Supreme Court Showdown as Museveni’s Landslide Victory is Challenged

Robert Kasibante, the Peasants Party candidate, has petitioned Uganda’s Supreme Court to nullify President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026 re-election victory, citing widespread electoral irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws.

According to the Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes (71.65%), while Kasibante garnered 33,440 votes (0.30%), as reported Here.

The petition highlights several concerns, including ungazetted polling stations: Approximately 15,256 polling stations (30% of the total) weren’t gazetted, yet votes from these stations were included in the national tally, alleges Kasibante.

He also raised issues with the Biometric Voter Verification (BVV) Machines. The machines were deployed without a proper legal framework, and their software architecture remained undisclosed, raising concerns about tampering, the petitioner further alleged.

He also poked holes in the Electoral Commission’s independence, claiming the commission acted under Museveni’s influence, compromising its independence.

The other issue was violence and Intimidation: Security forces allegedly harassed opposition candidates and supporters, disrupting campaign activities.

He also alleged the Misuse of Government Resources whereby Government vehicles, security personnel, and public facilities were used for Museveni’s campaign, according to the petitioner.

The other concern was unequal Media Coverage where state-owned media favored Museveni.

The Supreme Court has given respondents, including Museveni and the Electoral Commission, 10 days to file their answers. The court is expected to deliver a ruling within 45 days.

There was even drama between the chief justice and Justice Esther Kisaakye, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court bench then, as reported Here and There.

That Chief Justice has now retired as reported Here.