Museveni tells Kivejinja to petition

Jan 14, 2008

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni had advised the third deputy premier, Kirunda Kiveijinja, to petition court over his loss in the recent Bugweri county by-election. Kivejinja was defeated by Abdu Katuntu of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change party.

By Madinah Tebajjukira

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni had advised the third deputy premier, Kirunda Kiveijinja, to petition court over his loss in the recent Bugweri county by-election. Kivejinja was defeated by Abdu Katuntu of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change party.

The President gave the advice during a weekend meeting with National Resistance Movement MPs from Busoga region.

A source at the meeting in Rwakitura said Museveni argued that the elections were not free and fair.

The source added that Museveni asked Kivejinja to liaise with NRM’s secretary general Amama Mbabazi to file a petition before January 21.

“There is enough recorded evidence showing how the elections were rigged. Liaise with the secretary general and file a case before January 21,” the source quoted Museveni as saying.

Another source, that attended the same meeting meant to discuss the party’s performance in the region, revealed that Museveni also asked the Kibuku MP, Saleh Kamba, to withdraw defamatory statements he allegedly made against the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga. Museveni also ordered Kamba to apologise to Kadaga.

“Whatever Kamba said against Kadaga is defamatory and false. Kadaga was admitted in hospital during the climax of the elections in Bugweri. There are documents to prove that. Kamba should apologise and withdraw the statements,” Museveni was quoted as saying.

Kadaga last month petitioned the committee on rules, privileges and discipline to take action against Kamba over defamatory and false statements he reportedly made against her.
Hearing of the petition kicks off next week.

Kamba allegedly told the NRM caucus on December 17 that Kadaga distributed money to voters in Bugweri to reject Kivejinja.

However, Kamba challenged Kadaga’s decision to petition the committee and also questioned its mandate to handle the matter. He is petitioning the Constitutional Court.

Museveni also called on the MPs from the region to unite and work for the progress of the party. He reportedly blamed the MPs for failing to publicise the party’s achievements.

“The President was very annoyed with some MPs who make public relations for themselves instead of selling the party.
He said such MPs are the reason he abandoned his work to go and campaign in Bugweri,” the source said.

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