DP Can’t Stop NRM Registration â€" Ofwono
Oct 16, 2003
THE Democratic Party (DP) cannot stop the registration of the National Resistance Movement Organisation, the interim publicity secretary of the NRM/O, Ofwono Opondo, has said, reports <b>Milton Olupot.</b>
THE Democratic Party (DP) cannot stop the registration of the National Resistance Movement Organisation, the interim publicity secretary of the NRM/O, Ofwono Opondo, has said, reports Milton Olupot.
Reacting to the DP’s petition to block the registration of the NRM yesterday, Ofwono said the grounds raised by the DP petition do not hold any substance.
He said the NRM/O promoters had sought advice from the Solicitor General before starting the registration process.
DP lawyers Joseph Balikuddembe and Elias Lukwago filed a petition, with DP President Paul Ssemogerere, MPs Ogenga Latigo, Mutumba Ssebuliba and Issa Kikungwe and Muhammad Kezaala as the objectors.
They contend that President Yoweri Museveni as a serving officer of the UPDF cannot legally start a political party or organisation according to the 1995 Constitution. They said Museveni convened the meeting that founded the NRM/O.
The DP also objects to the use of the green colour, saying it belongs to them, the name and symbol of the yellow bus.
Ofwono said Museveni is not part of the 50 founding members of the NRM/O though he convened the meeting.
He said even if Museveni signed on the documents, it would not lead to the disqualification of the party. The law only provides that the involved officer would be liable to a fine of sh2m or a one-year jail term or both and not nullification of the party.
He said Hajji Moses Kigongo and all Movement directors, are not public servants because they were not appointed by the Public Service Commission.
Ofwono refuted allegations that NRM/O was using the Movement system’s symbols and slogan, saying system does not have any colour, symbol or slogan.
Ends
Reacting to the DP’s petition to block the registration of the NRM yesterday, Ofwono said the grounds raised by the DP petition do not hold any substance.
He said the NRM/O promoters had sought advice from the Solicitor General before starting the registration process.
DP lawyers Joseph Balikuddembe and Elias Lukwago filed a petition, with DP President Paul Ssemogerere, MPs Ogenga Latigo, Mutumba Ssebuliba and Issa Kikungwe and Muhammad Kezaala as the objectors.
They contend that President Yoweri Museveni as a serving officer of the UPDF cannot legally start a political party or organisation according to the 1995 Constitution. They said Museveni convened the meeting that founded the NRM/O.
The DP also objects to the use of the green colour, saying it belongs to them, the name and symbol of the yellow bus.
Ofwono said Museveni is not part of the 50 founding members of the NRM/O though he convened the meeting.
He said even if Museveni signed on the documents, it would not lead to the disqualification of the party. The law only provides that the involved officer would be liable to a fine of sh2m or a one-year jail term or both and not nullification of the party.
He said Hajji Moses Kigongo and all Movement directors, are not public servants because they were not appointed by the Public Service Commission.
Ofwono refuted allegations that NRM/O was using the Movement system’s symbols and slogan, saying system does not have any colour, symbol or slogan.
Ends