{UAH} The aftermath of Uganda's failed 2016 Presidential elections.
Ugandans are once again bracing themselves, reorging their bruised psyches to accept what's coming to them, as they are being treated to yet another saga of unpalatable events in their lives, orchestrated by their government trying to keep a 30 year incumbent in power once again. If the past is a prediction of what to expect -the opposition candidates who have brought an election malpractice lawsuit against the incumbent despot might be in a for a rude awakening.
The last time they were in such a situation the Presidential elite guard "The mambas" were ordered to beat up the opposition candidate's lawyers right before the judge while they were in court representing their client. Many Ugandans are holding their breath waiting to see what other evil plot are in store for them this time around and some have resigned from the expectation of justice under this regime, even as the clear winners of the election mount a case against a seemingly tyrannical establishment.
Those on the streets of Kampala the Capital City which has seen enormous violence since Idi Amin times are miffed at the stolen elections although they cannot say it out loud lest the security operatives go after them, but in friendlier circles the disgruntled and disenfranchised echo their sentiments "what else is to be expected from the government of Yoweri Museveni, he has refused to relinquish power in almost 30 years, masterminded an end of electoral process coup which has left several dead in the opposition camp, he has taken Ugandans through the most disorganized electoral process , wrought with unspeakable irregularities and by far the worst-ever assembled on the continent where he,finally declared himself the winner- and worse still, he has ordered the opposition clear winner to be placed under house arrest! The Ugandans have a saying -when you out-wrestle a man and you have beaten him down you should never bite him to further his humiliation! Here is what has transpired in court - you be the judge!
Ugandan In Boston.
Article from the Observer
The legal team representing presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi has presented before the Supreme court, an amended petition with fresh grounds to challenge President Yoweri Museveni's victory in the February 18 general election.
The amended petition introduced 15 new grounds to the original submission in Presidential election petition No. 1 of 2016. It was received by the judiciary at 10am.
The grounds presented in the amended petition include proof of voter bribery, use of public servants in political activities, interference with opposition activities and misuse of government resources. They were presented at the pre-hearing conference at the Supreme court offices in Kampala.
In one of the new grounds, Mbabazi says that Museveni was involved in voter bribery when, while on his campaign tour in Busoga sub region, he donated 500 hectares of Bukaleba forest reserve land in Bukatuube sub county to over 30,000 families.
Mbabazi adds that the act was intended to induce voters into voting for the NRM candidate contrary to section 64 of the presidential elections act.
Mbabazi also faults the inspector general of police Kale Kayihura for authorizing and providing protection for counter-rallies and demonstrations against his candidature in the districts of Mbale and Gulu.
Also in the amended petition is the interference into Go Forward rallies by Lt. Gen Henry Tumukunde, the former director general of the Internal Security Organization (ISO).
Mbabazi says Tumukunde erred in law when he, provocatively flew an helicopter, fully decorated with Yoweri Museveni posters and NRM party colors and landed it at Fort Portal Boma grounds, where Mbabazi was scheduled to address a rally.
In another ground, Mbabazi says that NRM party candidate Museveni illegally made use of government resources which would not ordinarily be utilized by a president without proper authorization. Mbabazi argues that this, created an unfair advantage for other presidential candidates.
Museveni, the petition adds, erred in involving civil servants in his political activities. It cites the address by Allen Kagina, the executive director of the Uganda National Roads Authority and Jennifer Musisi, the executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority who appeared at rallies in Kanungu and Kampala districts respectively to defend government programmes.
Mbabazi is also demanding a fresh recount of votes in 45 districts across the country to determine the substantial effect of the malpractices and non compliance acts by the Electoral Commission in the conduct of the general election.
The districts which he says need a recount include Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Arua, Luweero, Apac, Moroto, Gulu, Kisoro, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Rakai, Sironko, Kanungu, Butambala, Rubirizi, Soroti and Serere among others. The districts are all opposition strongholds.
Mbabazi lodged the initial petition last week seeking to nullify the election of President Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate on grounds that the EC did not comply with the electoral laws and that there was outright voter rigging.
Results announced by the Commission indicate that Museveni garnered 5,971,872 and emerged victor with 60.6 percent against 3, 508,687 votes obtained by Dr Kizza Besigye representing 35.61 percent of the total votes cast. Amama Mbabazi polled 136,519 representing 1.39 percent of the total votes cast.
A panel of nine judges led by chief justice Bart Katureebe today morning heard the pre-hearing of the petition. Other members of the team are Jotham Tumwesigye, Esther Kisaakye, Stella Arach-Amoko, Augustine Nshimye Sebuturo, Faith Mwondha, Ruby Aweri Opio, Eldad Mwangusya and Prof Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza.
Katureebe earlier proposed a recess after lawyers from the Electoral Commission, government and the Museveni team said they were seeing the amended petition for the first time. After a 2-hour adjournment, Katureebe ruled and announced that the amended petition had been accepted.
Earlier deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana had asked court to dismiss the amended petition with costs. He said it was not necessary to amend the petition merely to present fresh evidence which could also be presented in other affidavits.
His argument was also supported by Joseph Matsiko, a lawyer representing the first respondent Yoweri Museveni saying the amendment is an entirely new petition which will prolong the process if considered. The Supreme Court has only 30 days to hear the petition and deliver its judgment.
But Michael Akampurira, one of the lawyers representing Mbabazi says the amendments do not require leave and can be dealt with within the stipulated time. He said special circumstances forced the petitioning team to amend the original petition.
Katureebe said that the amendments are important for the issues under consideration and ordered the plaintiffs to supply amended petition to Yoweri Museveni by close of business today.
He added that by the time of the hearing set for March 14, all affidavits and any issues must have been resolved. Court will however meet again on March 10 to follow up on any agreed issues.
Source — The Observer
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The legal team representing presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi has this morning presented before the Supreme court, an amended petition with fresh…
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