Banned reflexologists lament case delay
Aug 23, 2012
Practitioners of reflexology whose activities were banned by the then Health minister Dr Stephen Malinga in March 2011, are lamenting over the delay in the conclusion of their case, saying they are grappling with losses.
By Andante Okanya
Practitioners of reflexology whose activities were banned by the then Health minister Dr Stephen Malinga in March 2011, are lamenting over the delay in the conclusion of their case, saying they are grappling with losses.
They expressed their displeasure yesterday at the Commercial Court in Kampala, shortly after hearing of their case flopped.
Presiding judge Godfrey Kiryabwire, had been expected to start hearing as scheduled but the case was adjourned, as the judge had to attend an urgent official meeting.
Also, the other cases that had been cause listed for the judge to handle for the day, were adjourned. The reflexology case was adjourned to October 17.
The president of the United Reflexiologists Association of Uganda Goodrich Muteguya, said the delay was unfortunate, since some of his colleagues were counting enormous losses, as they had traveled from as far in anticipation that hearing would start.
"Its so unfortunate that the case has dragged on for long, and we haven't even got down to the detailed hearing. However, the important thing is that we must be patient for court to make its position," Muteguya said, as he reassured his colleagues.
Their lawyers Denis Sembuya and Isaac Kimaze reiterated Muteguya's view, noting that the case would eventually be concluded, and that patience would eventually be rewarded.
The case arose on March 24 last year, when the reflexologists filed an application for judicial review at the court in protest of the ban, contending that government never accorded them a hearing before their activities were outlawed.
The umbrella body Uganda Reflexologists Association of Uganda, together with Alleluia Reflexology Health Solution and Nutrition Centre Limited, filed an application for judicial review in protest against the ban.
Judicial review is conducted by the High Court in relation to proceedings plus decisions taken by subordinate courts and inferior tribunals or bodies. The Commercial Court is a division of the High Court.
The ban was based on an investigation which indicated that reflexology centres posed a risk to the patients' lives since most of them lack training and did not comply with operational standards.
The report was compiled by the Uganda medical and dental practitioners' council, nurses and midwives council, allied health professionals council and the pharmacy council.