By Andante Okanya
THE Government has asked for more time to reach an out of court settlement in the CBS case, saying it is yet to form a negotiating team. Last year, over 100 CBS radio employees dragged the Government to court seeking orders to have the station re-opened. They argued that its closure was unjustified and had rendered them jobless.

The senior state attorney, Patricia Mutesi, on Monday said the Attorney General had consented to the formation of a negotiating team. The lawyers from both sides were meeting at the Kampala High Court in the chambers of Justice Vincent Zehurikize to brief him on the developments of the settlement.

Christopher Madrama and Jane Akiteng from Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, were representing the CBS employees. Zehurikize had asked the parties to reach an out-of-court settlement, saying both parties needed to maintain a cordial relationship.

The employees are seeking compensation amounting to sh3b, and also want court to order the Government to pay general damages plus the cost of the suit. The Uganda Broadcasting Council closed the radio station in September last year over allegations that it had incited the public to riot after the Katikkiro, John Baptist Walusimbi, was barred from proceeding to Kayunga to prepare for Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s visit.

“The Attorney General directed that we form a negotiating team. We pray that we be given more time to enable us meet,” Mutesi said. She added that the CBS employees’ lawyers had been notified on the steps being taken to discuss the matter.

Madrama said his clients had no objection to the request, adding that they consider the negotiations important. Zehurikize, however, asked the parties to show genuine willingness to settle the matter, saying political forces should not be allowed to complicate the case.

“This is a political case, no doubt about that. But when I read the pleadings, it is not complicated,” the judge said. He adjourned the case to July 8, saying in the event that the talks fail, he would proceed with the hearing.