Kole South MP thrown out of Parliament

PIC: KICKED OUT: Peter Ocen was thrown out of parliament by court. After the ruling, he talked to the press, saying he would appeal. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

Kole South MP Peter Ocen (Independent) has been thrown out of parliament after court found that he was involved in a number of electoral malpractices rendering the election process in the constituency not free and fair.

High Court Judge Justice Wilson Musene nullified the election of Ocen, declared the position vacant and ordered for a fresh election.

The judge concurred with petition of Fred Ebil that Ocen bribed voters, used sectarian language and also used a government vehicle during campaigns.

The decision followed a petition filed by former MP Ebil, UPC assistant secretary general under the Jimmy Akena faction supported by a number of affidavits.

Both Ocen and Ebil were in court when the verdict was passed.

Petitioner Fred Ebil (left) celebrated victory with his lawyer Hassan Kamba. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

On his part, Ocen said he was not satisfied with the ruling and would appeal.

"As an elected leader of Kole South, I have organised a thanksgiving ceremony which is taking place tomorrow [Saturday]," he said after the court ruling.

Ocen said that during the function to be presided over by Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, he will hand over an ambulance to the community and mama kits to pregnant mothers.

The former LCV of Kole said that by taking him to court, it's the people of Kole who have been taken to court. He said the people will still give him the votes.

Meanwhile, an excited Ebil, flanked by supporters, commended the judiciary for good work, saying they are the best in the world. He said the verdict has healed the hearts of the victims of election violence in Kole South which he said was supported by security personnel.

Ebil's lawyer Kamba and supporters jubilated after the court ruling. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

Ebil said in the next election, the candidates will learn a lesson, be civilized knowing there is rule of law in Uganda and act like mature people.

His lawyer Hassan Kamba said they are preparing their bill of cost which is in the range of sh600m.

This is second time Ebil is winning an election petition. In 2011 he won a case filed against him by Prof. Otim Nape in technicality. Justice Stephen Musota then said the petition was not filed in accordance with the law and was therefore rendered invalid.