MPs want Bukenya in MUK race
Jul 28, 2007
Members of Parliament (MPs) want the Vice-President Prof Gilbert Bukenya reinstated in the Makerere University Chancellorship race, arguing that the law exempts only the President.
By Cyprian Musoke
Members of Parliament (MPs) want the Vice-President Prof Gilbert Bukenya reinstated in the Makerere University Chancellorship race, arguing that the law exempts only the President.
Consequently, Parliament has instructed the Attorney General to investigate the matter and report back by Tuesday August 7.
Debating the issue raised by Rubanda West MP, Henry Banyenzaki yesterday, Aruu MP Odonga Otto, argued that Bukenya’s disqualification might set a bad precedence.
“It will dismay many elite Ugandans to see the Vice-President failing to get an office which other ordinary Ugandans are getting,†Otto said.
The search committee disqualified Bukenya on grounds that the President is the Visitor of the university and, as such, cannot be the Chancellor.
But Banyenzaki argued that according to the laws, the offices of the President and that of the Vice-President are spelt out as two distinct offices.
Some lawyers have, however, argued that since the Constitution stipulates that the Vice-President is the acting President in the latter’s absence, they are, in effect the same office.
Members of Parliament (MPs) want the Vice-President Prof Gilbert Bukenya reinstated in the Makerere University Chancellorship race, arguing that the law exempts only the President.
Consequently, Parliament has instructed the Attorney General to investigate the matter and report back by Tuesday August 7.
Debating the issue raised by Rubanda West MP, Henry Banyenzaki yesterday, Aruu MP Odonga Otto, argued that Bukenya’s disqualification might set a bad precedence.
“It will dismay many elite Ugandans to see the Vice-President failing to get an office which other ordinary Ugandans are getting,†Otto said.
The search committee disqualified Bukenya on grounds that the President is the Visitor of the university and, as such, cannot be the Chancellor.
But Banyenzaki argued that according to the laws, the offices of the President and that of the Vice-President are spelt out as two distinct offices.
Some lawyers have, however, argued that since the Constitution stipulates that the Vice-President is the acting President in the latter’s absence, they are, in effect the same office.