Uganda’s MPs to stay in EA House
Jun 25, 2008
UGANDA’S nine representatives in the East Africa Legislative Assembly should remain in the regional House, according to an interim order issued by the Supreme Court.
By Edward Anyoli
UGANDA’S nine representatives in the East Africa Legislative Assembly should remain in the regional House, according to an interim order issued by the Supreme Court.
“It is in the interest of justice to grant this application pending determination of the main application.â€
On May 30, the Constitutional Court nullified the election of the MPs, saying the polls were not held according to the law.
This was after a petition by former Omoro MP Jacob Oulanyah, who was blocked from contesting the polls.
Oulanyah had argued that the election was unconstitutional because it discriminated against independent candidates like him.
The Supreme Court order followed an application by the attorney general’s representative, Angela Kiryabwire.
Kiryabwirwe said the Constitutional Court ruling created uncertainties in Uganda’s representation.
She said activities had been disrupted because the House could not properly conduct business.
“The assembly needs to debate and pass the budget, which cannot be done without quorum because Uganda representatives are not attending.â€
The application was backed by an affidavit sworn by Eriya Kategaya, the First deputy premier and East African affairs minister.
UGANDA’S nine representatives in the East Africa Legislative Assembly should remain in the regional House, according to an interim order issued by the Supreme Court.
“It is in the interest of justice to grant this application pending determination of the main application.â€
On May 30, the Constitutional Court nullified the election of the MPs, saying the polls were not held according to the law.
This was after a petition by former Omoro MP Jacob Oulanyah, who was blocked from contesting the polls.
Oulanyah had argued that the election was unconstitutional because it discriminated against independent candidates like him.
The Supreme Court order followed an application by the attorney general’s representative, Angela Kiryabwire.
Kiryabwirwe said the Constitutional Court ruling created uncertainties in Uganda’s representation.
She said activities had been disrupted because the House could not properly conduct business.
“The assembly needs to debate and pass the budget, which cannot be done without quorum because Uganda representatives are not attending.â€
The application was backed by an affidavit sworn by Eriya Kategaya, the First deputy premier and East African affairs minister.