DP petitions registrar against NRM registration

Oct 15, 2003

THE Democratic Party has filed an objection to the application for the registration of the National Resistance Movement Ornaisation (NRMO).

By Milton Olupot

THE Democratic Party has filed an objection to the application for the registration of the National Resistance Movement Ornaisation (NRMO).

They challenge alleged involvement of President Yoweri Museveni who is still a serving UPDF officer.

DP President Paul Ssemogerere and MPs Ogenga Latigo, Ssebuliba Mutumba, Issa Kikungwe and Muhammad Kezaala, the objectors in the petition, allege that the NRM was trying to hijack their party colour to confuse the public.

The petitioners’ Lawyers Joseph Balikudembe and Elias Lukwago yesterday handed over the petition to the State Attorney in-charge of registration, Juliet Nassuna, who acknowledged receipt by stamping copies of the document.

Nassuna said she would communicate to the lawyers on the outcome of the petition in a few days.

“I have received the objection, I will get back to you in a few days, I am not expected to give any form of ..., I am doing my duty,” she said, declining to further talk to the journalists.

Lukwago said there were five main grounds for the objection.

He said the use of the Yellow Bus symbol, the Green colour, and use of the words ‘movement’ and ‘organisation’ were contrary to the law.

The petition said the process leading to the formation of NRMO and the application for registration contravened several provisions of the Constitution and the Political Parties and Organisations Act.

The party contends that the meetings leading to the formation of the party were convened and chaired by President Yoweri Museveni contrary to provisions of Article 208(2) of the Constitution and Section 16 (a), (b) and (c) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act.

The NRM notice of registration appeared in The Uganda Gazette on October 6. The law allows anyone opposing the registration to lodge an objection in 14 days from the date of the gazetting.

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