Isaac Rukanda, the leader of the Revivalist Movement within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has formally withdrawn a lawsuit against the ruling party over internal elections.
Rukanda, along with other concerned NRM members, had sued the party leadership for failing to organize internal elections since 2016, arguing that this was a violation of the party’s constitution. However, in a recent turn of events, Rukanda and his legal team have notified the High Court’s Civil Division of their decision to drop the case.
Through his lawyers, Matrix Advocates, Rukanda submitted a letter to Trial Judge Lord Justice Baguma Emmanuel, stating that the purpose of the lawsuit had been rectified and that he no longer wished to proceed.
“The purpose for which this matter was initially filed has since been rectified, and as a result, the Applicant no longer wishes to proceed with the case,” the withdrawal letter reads in part. “We therefore, kindly request that the matter be removed from the Court’s schedule and all further proceedings be ceased.”
The lawsuit, filed under case number HCI-00-CV-MC-0230-2024, sought to challenge the NRM’s prolonged failure to hold internal elections, which Rukanda argued was unconstitutional. In his affidavit, he pointed out that while the party leadership cited COVID-19 as a reason for the delays, Uganda had successfully held presidential and parliamentary elections during the same period.
He had called on the court to declare that NRM leaders who continued to hold office beyond their elective terms, which expired in 2021, were doing so unlawfully. Additionally, he argued that the party’s inaction violated his civic rights as a member.
Despite his initial legal challenge, Rukanda’s decision to withdraw the case suggests a possible resolution within the party or a reconsideration of legal strategies.
The withdrawal of the lawsuit has sparked discussions within NRM circles, with some viewing it as a sign of internal reconciliation. Others, however, remain concerned about the party’s commitment to democratic processes.
As the ruling party gears up for the next electoral cycle, the issue of internal elections remains a key point of interest for party members. Whether NRM will now move swiftly to conduct these long-overdue elections remains to be seen.
For now, Rukanda and his Revivalist Movement have taken a step back from the legal battle, but their advocacy for internal democracy within NRM is likely to continue.
