Opposition Gave Kasibante Empty Promises & Left Him Hanging: Formidable Namyalo Reveals Secret Behind Withdraw Of Petition Against Museveni

By Frank Kamuntu

Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo has welcomed former presidential candidate Robert Kasibante’s move to withdraw his petition challenging President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s victory in the 2026 presidential elections, calling it a “wise and forward-looking” decision.

Kasibante filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking leave to withdraw Presidential Election Petition No. 1 of 2026, citing prohibitive financial costs and the technical complexity involved in pursuing the case. He argued that conducting a comprehensive audit of election materials including declaration of results forms, biometric voter verification records, scanners, and electoral servers would require highly specialized forensic experts and enormous financial resources, far beyond his means.

Speaking on the development, Namyalo, a senior Muzzukulu and long-time Museveni mobilizer, praised Kasibante for “looking far and moving ahead” instead of being trapped in a stagnant legal battle. She claimed that Kasibante had been encouraged by opposition figures who promised financial support that never materialized.

“Other political actors approached him and promised to back him up. Unfortunately, he was left hanging. When you are left hanging, that means you have to meet the bills, meet the costs, meet the defeat, etc. So he was smart enough and said, ‘No, I have to withdraw,’” Namyalo said.

She also thanked Kasibante for allowing the process to move forward without further complications, noting that the ONC was ready to assist President Museveni’s legal team with evidence if required. “Thanks to Kasibante for not allowing himself to be used, but also for looking far and deciding to let Museveni move forward with his victory,” she added.

Namyalo highlighted that the withdrawal was a relief for the President, allowing him to focus on preparations for his next term, and commended Kasibante for making a pragmatic decision in the face of overwhelming legal and financial obstacles.

“Of course, Kasibante, one of the poor Ugandans like me, couldn’t manage those court costs and couldn’t afford to meet the enormous technical requirements. I think he is brilliant and a smart politician. Congratulations to him for taking the right path,” she said.

If approved by the Supreme Court, Kasibante’s withdrawal will bring an end to one of the major legal challenges arising from the January 15, 2026, presidential election.