In a strong statement, Dr. Sarah Bireete, the chairperson of the Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), has condemned Uganda’s judiciary for its lack of transparency and fairness, particularly in the aftermath of the 2021 elections. Dr. Bireete’s comments come in light of Honorable Kyagulanyi’s withdrawal of his petition alleging vote rigging during the elections.
“The judiciary exposed itself when Hon. Kyagulanyi attempted to file a petition after the 2021 elections. The manner in which they conducted themselves was appalling.” She criticized the judiciary for stopping Justice Kisakye from reading her dissenting judgment, calling it a significant failure to uphold constitutional governance in Uganda.
These comments arise as Uganda prepares for a challenging election season in 2026, prompting various stakeholders, including election observers, to analyze the current political climate. Recently, President Museveni claimed that he was cheated by one million votes by Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) and challenged them to take him to court and he presents evidence. This statement raised questions about whether Uganda’s courts, often criticized for bias by opposition leaders, can deliver true justice, especially if it is proven that President Museveni and his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), were the ones involved in electoral fraud.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, the call for a fair and transparent judiciary becomes increasingly crucial for the future of democracy in Uganda.
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