The Supreme Court in Uganda has set March 18th, 2021 as date for delivery of a ruling in a presidential petition filed by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine seeking for annulment of the 14th January election.
The Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo announced the date in a pre-hearing conference held at Supreme Court in Kampala on Thursday. Kyagulanyi petitioned the Supreme Court claiming the election was marred with irregularities and fell short of constitutional requirements.
At the conference and in the presence of counsels for the petitioner and respondents, Dollo also announced a timeline of activities the Supreme Court will undertake in the runner-up to 18th, the D-day for the delivery of the ruling.
Earlier, Hon Medard Sseggona, the lead counsel for the petitioner asked court for adjournment to allow Bobi more time time compile more evidence citing arrests of NUP supporters who were under arrest yet they had critical evidence to bolster the petition.
Dollo grated the petitioner 13 days within which to attach more affidavits to the evidence so far presented, and to file any remaining affidavits in form of rejoinders. Dollo thereafter set February 24th as the new date for continuation of the pre-hearing conference.
He also gave the respondents up to 20th March to file additional affidavits to their defense.
On 25th and 26th February 2021, Court granted petitioners chance to cross examine witnesses (if any) and present electronic evidence to those who would have applied for it.
After 24th February 2021, the Supreme Court will proceed to receive written submissions in form of affidavits and respondents will have up to 2nd March to respond to the petition.
On Friday 5th March 2021, Court will allow counsels for all sides to present oral submission in highlights with each counsel strictly given 30 minutes and 20 minutes for a rejoinder. The hearing will also conclude on 5th March, 2020.
From 7th March to 18th, Supreme Court judges will retreat to write a summary of the judgement which will be delivered on 18th March 2021.
Chief Justice Owiny Dollo however cautioned counsels for all parties to strictly adhere to the timelines given since he has accorded them sufficient time to do whatever they want to do. He also told them to desist from issuing disparaging information in the media and respect courts decisions.
Medard Sseggona on behalf of the petitioner and Attoney General William Byaruhanga accepted the directions of the Supreme Court and agreed to abide with the set timelines.
