Judiciary to Attorney General: set aside court order

Jan 11, 2017

“The Judiciary has noted that Parliament is aggrieved by the decision of the Constitutional Court and has directed the Attorney General to take immediate steps to have the order set aside by the Constitutional Court,” the Judiciary Chief Registrar Paul Gadenya said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

 Attorney General William Byaruhanga. File Photo

The Judiciary has directed the Attorney General to take immediate steps to have the order restraining Parliament from investigating or inquiring into the sh6b oil case bonus payment to various government officials set aside by the Consitutional Court.

Parliament Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga, on Tuesday indefinitely suspended the House until the Attorney General withdraws what Kadaga described as ‘stupid' court order.

 "The Judiciary has noted that Parliament is aggrieved by the decision of the Constitutional Court and has directed the Attorney General to take immediate steps to have the order set aside by the Constitutional Court," the Judiciary Chief Registrar Paul Gadenya said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

MPs in a discussion at Parliament after the Speaker adjourned the House sine dine over court order. PHOTO/Miriam Namutebi

The Deputy Chief Justice, Steven Kavuma, on Monday issued an interim court order which was served to the Attorney General and Parliament, restraining the Legislature, any person or authority from investigating the bonus payments.

The Judiciary commended Kadaga stating: "The action taken by Parliament is commendable and is in accordance with the rule of law because the law allows any aggrieved party to appeal or challenge the decision of a court."

The judiciary assured the public that dispute will be handled in the accordance with the Constitution.

The finance ministry last week confirmed that close to sh6b was paid out to government officials as bonuses for their role in the case that Uganda won against oil companies in London.

 

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