Ex-MP opposes amendment

Oct 07, 2005

EDDIE Kwizera, the former Bufumbira East MP, has petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging constitutional amendment No. 3, saying it infringes on his rights to stand in the coming elections.

By Hillary Nsambu

EDDIE Kwizera, the former Bufumbira East MP, has petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging constitutional amendment No. 3, saying it infringes on his rights to stand in the coming elections.

Kwizera, a special presidential assistant, through Kampala Attorneys and Solicitors contends that the enactment of the Constitutional amendment No 3 Act left no time for him as a person employed in the Government to be nominated for elections.

In an affidavit supporting the petition that he filed in court recently, Kwizera said he had intention to contest in the next parliamentary elections for his former seat but the amendment Act discriminates against him.

He is also seeking from court the definition of a person employed in the Government.

“Whereas a public officer is defined in the Constitution, there is no definition of “a person employed in any Government department or agency,” as it appears in Article 80 (4), thus making it ambiguous and open to abuse and misinterpretation,” he contends.

Kwizera said since Parliament omitted defining “a person employed in any Government department or agency,” it would be in the interest of constitutionalism if the Constitutional Court were to interpret the term.

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