DP To Grill Ministers On Political Party Act
Oct 29, 2002
THE Constitutional Court yesterday permitted lawyers representing Democratic Party (DP) President General, Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, to cross-examine four ministers in a petition against the Political Parties and Organisations Act (POA).
By Hamis Kaheru
and Hillary Nsambu THE Constitutional Court yesterday permitted lawyers representing Democratic Party (DP) President General, Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, to cross-examine four ministers in a petition against the Political Parties and Organisations Act (POA).
The ministers include Janat Mukwaya, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Amama Mbabazi, the Minister of Defence, James Wapakhabulo, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
They are among more than 100 people who swore affidavits in defence of the state.
Ssemogerere’s lead counsel, Joseph Balikuddembe, assisted by Elias Lukwago, said he wanted to cross-examine the ministers and about 10 other witnesses about their affidavits.
Others are Hajji Abdu Nadduli, George Bageya, Obiga Kania, J. Eriyo, Steven Lagada, Edwin Komakech, Amstrong Mukasa, Charles Odora and Elisan Hamza Kair.
Ssemogerere filed the petition jointly with Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima, Kawempe South MP Ssebuliba Mutumba, Aswa MP Reagan Okumu, Terego MP Wadri Ezati and Sam Njuba.
They are challenging the POA on grounds that it is unconstitutional, denies citizens freedom of association, restricts political parties and creates a one-party state called the Movement.
Attorney General Francis Ayume, who is representing the Government, said he would also cross-examine each of the petitioners. He is assisted by the acting Director of Civil Litigation, Deus Byamugisha and commissioners Dennis Bireije and Joseph Matsiko.
The petition is being heard by justices G.M. Okello (chairman), S.G. Engwau, Alice Mpagi Bahigeine, A. Twinomujuni and Christine Kitumba. The hearing was adjourned to November 12.
Ends
and Hillary Nsambu THE Constitutional Court yesterday permitted lawyers representing Democratic Party (DP) President General, Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, to cross-examine four ministers in a petition against the Political Parties and Organisations Act (POA).
The ministers include Janat Mukwaya, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Amama Mbabazi, the Minister of Defence, James Wapakhabulo, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
They are among more than 100 people who swore affidavits in defence of the state.
Ssemogerere’s lead counsel, Joseph Balikuddembe, assisted by Elias Lukwago, said he wanted to cross-examine the ministers and about 10 other witnesses about their affidavits.
Others are Hajji Abdu Nadduli, George Bageya, Obiga Kania, J. Eriyo, Steven Lagada, Edwin Komakech, Amstrong Mukasa, Charles Odora and Elisan Hamza Kair.
Ssemogerere filed the petition jointly with Mbarara Municipality MP Winnie Byanyima, Kawempe South MP Ssebuliba Mutumba, Aswa MP Reagan Okumu, Terego MP Wadri Ezati and Sam Njuba.
They are challenging the POA on grounds that it is unconstitutional, denies citizens freedom of association, restricts political parties and creates a one-party state called the Movement.
Attorney General Francis Ayume, who is representing the Government, said he would also cross-examine each of the petitioners. He is assisted by the acting Director of Civil Litigation, Deus Byamugisha and commissioners Dennis Bireije and Joseph Matsiko.
The petition is being heard by justices G.M. Okello (chairman), S.G. Engwau, Alice Mpagi Bahigeine, A. Twinomujuni and Christine Kitumba. The hearing was adjourned to November 12.
Ends