Lukyamuzi loses compensation case
Mar 26, 2007
THE Constitutional Court yesterday rejected Ken Lukyamuzi’s bid to seek compensation from the Government for losing his Rubaga South parliamentary seat. The court also ordered Lukyamuzi to pay costs of the petition.
By Hillary Nsambu
THE Constitutional Court yesterday rejected Ken Lukyamuzi’s bid to seek compensation from the Government for losing his Rubaga South parliamentary seat. The court also ordered Lukyamuzi to pay costs of the petition.
In a unanimous decision, the five Judges ruled that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has powers to order the removal of a Member of Parliament, for breach of the Leadership Code of Conduct.
Lukyamuzi was disqualified from standing for refusing to declare his wealth, despite repeated reminders by the IGG. He went to court to challenge the powers of the IGG to remove him from Parliament and demanded compensation.
He also complained that the Speaker, Edward Ssekandi, unconstitutionally implemented the IGG’s action and accused the Electoral Commission of violating his rights by barring him from running.
“The IGG, the Speaker of Parliament and the chairperson of the Electoral Commission acted within their constitutional powers to remove the petitioner from Parliament,†the ruling said.
“We find no merit in this petition, which we accordingly dismiss with costs. In our view the petitioner has no other available remedy against his dismissal from Parliament.â€
Lukyamuzi, wearing a chequered brown suit, said he was disappointed with the ruling and he would appeal to the Supreme Court.
“I am quite disappointed, especially on the question of the powers of the IGG, as an appropriate person to discipline MPs. I have instructed my lawyers to appeal,†said Lukyamuzi, who looked depressed.
The judges were GM Okello, SG Engwau, A Twinomujuni, CK Byamugisha and Deputy Chief Justice Laetitia Mukasa-Kikonyogo.
THE Constitutional Court yesterday rejected Ken Lukyamuzi’s bid to seek compensation from the Government for losing his Rubaga South parliamentary seat. The court also ordered Lukyamuzi to pay costs of the petition.
In a unanimous decision, the five Judges ruled that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) has powers to order the removal of a Member of Parliament, for breach of the Leadership Code of Conduct.
Lukyamuzi was disqualified from standing for refusing to declare his wealth, despite repeated reminders by the IGG. He went to court to challenge the powers of the IGG to remove him from Parliament and demanded compensation.
He also complained that the Speaker, Edward Ssekandi, unconstitutionally implemented the IGG’s action and accused the Electoral Commission of violating his rights by barring him from running.
“The IGG, the Speaker of Parliament and the chairperson of the Electoral Commission acted within their constitutional powers to remove the petitioner from Parliament,†the ruling said.
“We find no merit in this petition, which we accordingly dismiss with costs. In our view the petitioner has no other available remedy against his dismissal from Parliament.â€
Lukyamuzi, wearing a chequered brown suit, said he was disappointed with the ruling and he would appeal to the Supreme Court.
“I am quite disappointed, especially on the question of the powers of the IGG, as an appropriate person to discipline MPs. I have instructed my lawyers to appeal,†said Lukyamuzi, who looked depressed.
The judges were GM Okello, SG Engwau, A Twinomujuni, CK Byamugisha and Deputy Chief Justice Laetitia Mukasa-Kikonyogo.