Another MP ejected from Parliament

High Court in Masaka has nullified the election of the Kakuuto Constitutency Member of Parliament in Rakai district, Christopher Kalemba(NRM) and declared the seat vacant.

Lady Justice Margaret Tibulya said Kalemba lacked the required academic qualification to contest for the parliamentary seat.

The minimum qualification for a Member of Parliament is the Advanced level certificate of education. Kalemba presented a degree of Social works and administration from Kampala University during nominations.

"Kalemba did not qualify for A level or its equivalent. He failed at O level with only one credit in History. The Electoral Commission wrongly cleared him," she said in her ruling.      

Drake Lubega who lost the elections, petitioned court citing Kalemba's lack of required academic qualifications, bribery of voters, vote rigging and his failure to resign his job as RDC in the required time.

Justice Tibulya said the petitioner produced evidence that Kalemba bribed voters using iron sheets and money.

Kalemba told The New Vision that he was going to appeal the ruling.

Kalemba, a former RDC, Lwengo district is the first NRM party MP to be ejected by the High Court in Masaka.

The court dismissed election petitions against,the Ssembabule and Kalungu district woman MP, Hanifa Kawoya(NRM) and Aisha Ssekindi(NRM).

Others cleared included, the Lwemiyaga MP, Theodore Ssekikubo(NRM), Bukomansimbi North MP, Ruth Katushabe(NRM).

Other petitions awaiting ruling on Thursday at Masaka High Court include the election petition filed against the Masaka district woman
MP, Babirye Kabanda (DP) on grounds that she bribed voters.