EC wants UPC’s Mayega to deposit sh50m with court
Dec 14, 2009
THE Electoral Commission (EC) secretary, Sam Rwakoojo, wants UPC’s Henry Mayega, who is challenging his qualification for the post, to deposit sh50m as proof that he would pay him court costs if he wins the case.
By Anne Mugisa
THE Electoral Commission (EC) secretary, Sam Rwakoojo, wants UPC’s Henry Mayega, who is challenging his qualification for the post, to deposit sh50m as proof that he would pay him court costs if he wins the case.
Mayega, who is seeking to block Rwakoojo’s reappointment as secretary to the commission, dragged him and the EC to court, saying he was not qualified.
MacDosman Kabega, who is representing Rwakoojo, yesterday said Mayega had no known means of paying the costs which will be incurred by the parties he dragged to court.
He argued that Mayega’s case was frivolous and that Rwakoojo and the commission had evidence that the reappointment was legal.
Rwakoojo’s current term of office expires on Thursday and his reappointment, which has already been approved, takes immediate effect.
According to Kabega, Mayega has not shown the court evidence that he has property which could be converted to recover the costs or tendered in bank statements to show his credit worthiness.
Kabega was supported by the lawyer representing the EC, Patrick Wetaaka, who said Mayega had not told the court what he does for a living or given his address of abode.
“There is a likelihood that he may disappear,†Wetaaka said.
Mayega’s lawyer, James Akampumuza, said the case was of public interest and Mayega’s ability or inability to pay costs should not be used to stop it.
He said Mayega should not be doubted because he had intentions of standing for the presidency in 2011.
“This shows that Mayega has sufficient interest in the electoral process,†Akampumuza said.
The court will give its ruling on the matter tomorrow.
THE Electoral Commission (EC) secretary, Sam Rwakoojo, wants UPC’s Henry Mayega, who is challenging his qualification for the post, to deposit sh50m as proof that he would pay him court costs if he wins the case.
Mayega, who is seeking to block Rwakoojo’s reappointment as secretary to the commission, dragged him and the EC to court, saying he was not qualified.
MacDosman Kabega, who is representing Rwakoojo, yesterday said Mayega had no known means of paying the costs which will be incurred by the parties he dragged to court.
He argued that Mayega’s case was frivolous and that Rwakoojo and the commission had evidence that the reappointment was legal.
Rwakoojo’s current term of office expires on Thursday and his reappointment, which has already been approved, takes immediate effect.
According to Kabega, Mayega has not shown the court evidence that he has property which could be converted to recover the costs or tendered in bank statements to show his credit worthiness.
Kabega was supported by the lawyer representing the EC, Patrick Wetaaka, who said Mayega had not told the court what he does for a living or given his address of abode.
“There is a likelihood that he may disappear,†Wetaaka said.
Mayega’s lawyer, James Akampumuza, said the case was of public interest and Mayega’s ability or inability to pay costs should not be used to stop it.
He said Mayega should not be doubted because he had intentions of standing for the presidency in 2011.
“This shows that Mayega has sufficient interest in the electoral process,†Akampumuza said.
The court will give its ruling on the matter tomorrow.