By Kabuye Ronald
The supreme court has set March 18th, 2021, as the date it will deliver its final judgment in the petition where National Unity Platform (NUP) president and former presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine is challenging the victory of National Resistance Movement NRM’ Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the president of Uganda elect 2021-2026.
The panel of nine judges led by the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo during the pre-hearing on Thursday morning also set the next court session on the 24th February which will led to the written submissions of the petitioner up to February 27th, 2021.
The respondents will all have up to 2nd March to respond to the submissions made. Then the petitioner will have up to 4th March to make any rejoinders.
The judges have only allocated 50 minutes for oral submission on the 5th March with the petitioners only accorded 30 minutes for highlighting and rejoinder accorded 20 minutes which will conclude the hearing.
The summarized ruling will then be delivered on the 18th March – Chief Justice Owinyi Dollo.
Relatedly, court granted the petitioner up to Sunday this week to file all additional affidavits, respondents have up to Saturday 20th, petitioner has up to 24th to file affidavits in rejoinder.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice Owiny Dollo urged learned counsels not to look at one another as opponents since they all believe their client has a case.
He also cautioned against misuse of social media to attack the temple of justice.
“You believe in justice and that is why you came to the Courts of Law. If you choose to go to social media let us give facts; not disparaging.
Leave the courts of law to sit down and render justice. That is their mandate today. Those who are old enough should know the alternative to the courts of law.” said Chief Justice Owiny Dollo
