The United Sates Embassy in Kampala has urged Ugandans to “respect the Court’s decision, and express their views in a peaceful manner” after the upholding of President Museveni’s election victory.
Former presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi had asked the Supreme Court to nullify Museveni’s election, citing intimidation of supporters and violate of key electoral laws.
The court found the accusations baseless.
In a statement after the ruling, Mbabazi said his next course of action would be determined by the outcome of his consultations with different stakeholders.
On the other hand, Kizza Besigye the court’s verdict does not in any way lend legitimacy to the government of president Museveni.
The U.S. Embassy said it noted the ruling “affirming the results of Uganda’s February 18 presidential vote that saw President Yoweri Museveni re-elected to his fifth term.”
It, however, observed that Court acknowledged some instances of non-compliance by Election Commission officials and interference by security authorities.
“We hope that the government will now address the grievances voiced by its own people in the wake of these elections and take the necessary steps to enact reforms that will guarantee political inclusivity, transparency, accountability and free and fair elections,” said the embassy in a brief note.
“Uganda’s future prosperity and democratic progress will depend on such actions.”