Museveni files defence, wants Kasibante’s election petition dismissed

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President Yoweri Museveni, who was re-elected for another five-year term as Uganda's head of state, has filed his defence to a presidential election petition lodged by his opponent, Robert Kasibante, asking the Supreme Court to dismiss the case with costs on grounds that it is incurably defective.

Museveni filed his answer at the Supreme Court registry in Kampala on Monday, January 26, 2026, through his lawyers of K&K Advocates.

In his response, Museveni maintains that he was validly elected in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act and the Presidential Election Petition Act, and that the petition should therefore be dismissed with costs.

He argues that Kasibante’s petition does not disclose any sound grievance for determination by the court.

Museveni contends that the petition raises no grievance within the meaning of Article 104(1) of the Constitution and Section 61(1) of the Presidential Election Petition Act, and should be struck out with costs.

Having polled the majority of valid votes cast on January 15, Museveni says he was validly declared winner by the Electoral Commission, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama.

He further argues that the counting and tallying of results by the Electoral Commission were conducted transparently and in full view of all candidates’ agents.

Museveni maintains that even if there was any non-compliance with electoral laws in the conduct of the elections, which he categorically denies, it did not affect the results in any substantial manner.

The petition

In a petition filed on January 17, two days after the elections, Kasibante of the National Peasants Party, who emerged sixth in the eight-man race, argues that the January 15 presidential election won by Museveni was neither free nor fair.

Kasibante contends that the election was marked by non-compliance with electoral laws and should be annulled, with the Electoral Commission directed to organise fresh elections.

The Electoral Commission declared Museveni winner with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform emerged second with 2,741,238 votes, while Kasibante placed sixth with 33,440 votes.

Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change came third with 209,039 votes, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation finished fourth with 59,276 votes, and Frank Bulira of the Revolutionary People’s Party placed fifth with 45,959 votes.

Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party finished seventh with 31,666 votes, while Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party came eighth with 23,458 votes.