Attorney General asks for case dismissal
Nov 02, 2009
THE Attorney General on Thursday asked the Court to dismiss a claim by a former presidential assistant, Nabatanzi Lugudde Katwe, who was seeking sh1b in damages for wrongful termination.
By Anne Mugisa
THE Attorney General on Thursday asked the Court to dismiss a claim by a former presidential assistant, Nabatanzi Lugudde Katwe, who was seeking sh1b in damages for wrongful termination.
In a preliminary objection before the trial could begin, the State Attorney, Claire Olaki, told the court, presided over by Justice Elizabeth Musoke, that Lugudde’s contract duly expired.
She said Lugudde had no right to force the President to renew it.
Lugudde sued the Government saying her contract was terminated a year before its expiry.
According to Lugudde, the termination of her contract without notice or paying her terminal benefits was “unconstitutional, tortuous and unlawful.â€
She said she was hired on April 16, 2007 for special duties for a period of 24 months at an entry salary of about sh24m per annum.
However, she said on May 3, 2008, President Yoweri Museveni wrote to the head of the Public Service Commission purporting not to renew her contract which was still running for another year.
Lugudde, who is represented by city advocate, Zawedde Lubwama, complained that as a result, State House issued a notice in the media warning the public against dealing with her on State House matters.
Olaki said Lugudde’s contract started in January 2006 and should have expired in January 2008. She said the contract signed by both parties was very clear that it runs for 24 months and could only be renewed with the consent of both parties.
She said Lugudde made it clear in her application of September 2007 to the President reminding him that her contract was expiring in January 2008 and asking for a renewal.
“This application was not accepted. It was rejected,†Olaki said.
Zawedde said Lugudde started counting her 24 months in April, 2006, dismissing the case without hearing would be abuse of Lugudde’s rights.
The Judge adjourned the case to December 18, 2009.
THE Attorney General on Thursday asked the Court to dismiss a claim by a former presidential assistant, Nabatanzi Lugudde Katwe, who was seeking sh1b in damages for wrongful termination.
In a preliminary objection before the trial could begin, the State Attorney, Claire Olaki, told the court, presided over by Justice Elizabeth Musoke, that Lugudde’s contract duly expired.
She said Lugudde had no right to force the President to renew it.
Lugudde sued the Government saying her contract was terminated a year before its expiry.
According to Lugudde, the termination of her contract without notice or paying her terminal benefits was “unconstitutional, tortuous and unlawful.â€
She said she was hired on April 16, 2007 for special duties for a period of 24 months at an entry salary of about sh24m per annum.
However, she said on May 3, 2008, President Yoweri Museveni wrote to the head of the Public Service Commission purporting not to renew her contract which was still running for another year.
Lugudde, who is represented by city advocate, Zawedde Lubwama, complained that as a result, State House issued a notice in the media warning the public against dealing with her on State House matters.
Olaki said Lugudde’s contract started in January 2006 and should have expired in January 2008. She said the contract signed by both parties was very clear that it runs for 24 months and could only be renewed with the consent of both parties.
She said Lugudde made it clear in her application of September 2007 to the President reminding him that her contract was expiring in January 2008 and asking for a renewal.
“This application was not accepted. It was rejected,†Olaki said.
Zawedde said Lugudde started counting her 24 months in April, 2006, dismissing the case without hearing would be abuse of Lugudde’s rights.
The Judge adjourned the case to December 18, 2009.