By Nasser Kayanja
The Supreme Court has dismissed a presidential election petition filed by former presidential aspirant Robert Kasibante after he opted to withdraw the case, citing the high financial burden involved in pursuing it.
The petition had challenged the election of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. However, during proceedings, Kasibante informed the court that he could no longer sustain the case due to the significant legal costs associated with prosecuting the matter.
In a ruling delivered by a panel of nine justices, eight members of the court agreed, by consent of all parties, to allow the withdrawal of the petition. The majority further directed that each party meet its own legal costs, meaning Kasibante will not be required to compensate President Museveni or the Electoral Commission for expenses incurred in preparing their defence.
However, Justice Christopher Madrama issued a dissenting opinion. He argued that anyone filing a presidential election petition should be fully aware of the financial implications involved and should take that responsibility seriously before initiating such proceedings.
With the withdrawal formally accepted and the matter dismissed, the court has effectively brought the petition to a close.