Musinguzi Withdraws From Kinkizi Race
Jan 13, 2003
James Musinguzi has pulled out of the Kinkizi West constituency by-election, saying he did not wish to endanger his constituents.
By Allan Turyaguma
James Musinguzi has pulled out of the Kinkizi West constituency by-election, saying he did not wish to endanger his constituents.
Musinguzi’s lawyer Ngaruye Ruhindi made the announcement yesterday soon after the High Court threw out Musinguzi’s request to postpone the nomination which are slated for today.
“Musinguzi has made it clear that he will not participate in an election that will put his constituents in more trouble and increase the trauma. He says during the previous election, one of his supporters lost his manhood and another his eye. As long as the circumstances that prevailed in Kinkizi West constituency during the 2001 parliamentary polls still exist, he cannot participate in the elections. We have strongly advised him to save the lives of his people by not contesting,†Ruhindi said.
Ngaruye Ruhindi dismissed claims that Musinguzi would back another candidate to contest against defence minister Amama Mbabazi.
“How can we chose another person to suffer the injustice which Musinguzi has protested?†Ngaruye asked.
The High Court sitting in Mbarara had just allowed the Electoral Commission to conduct the nomination today.
Justice Paul Mugamba dismissed with costs Musinguzi’s and voter John Bosco Twinomuhwezi’s application to postpone the nominations, citing heavy army deployment in the area and the interference of state agents in the electoral process.
Musinguzi said, “I don’t see myself participating in shambled elections. Those interested can proceed.â€
The seat fell vacant last month after the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court nullification of Mbabazi’s election over irregularities.
Justice Mugamba made his ruling at 4:00pm to a tense fully-packed courtroom. “This application is premature. The applicants have not proved that there are the alleged 7,000 troops in Kinkizi constituency. For the other irregularities alleged, the Electoral Commission can regulate them after the nominations. I, therefore, dismiss the application with costs,†he ruled.
The Movement director of information, Ofwono Opondo, was in court.
He said afterwards, “Musinguzi is a spoiler and Kanungu is a young district.â€
Ends
James Musinguzi has pulled out of the Kinkizi West constituency by-election, saying he did not wish to endanger his constituents.
Musinguzi’s lawyer Ngaruye Ruhindi made the announcement yesterday soon after the High Court threw out Musinguzi’s request to postpone the nomination which are slated for today.
“Musinguzi has made it clear that he will not participate in an election that will put his constituents in more trouble and increase the trauma. He says during the previous election, one of his supporters lost his manhood and another his eye. As long as the circumstances that prevailed in Kinkizi West constituency during the 2001 parliamentary polls still exist, he cannot participate in the elections. We have strongly advised him to save the lives of his people by not contesting,†Ruhindi said.
Ngaruye Ruhindi dismissed claims that Musinguzi would back another candidate to contest against defence minister Amama Mbabazi.
“How can we chose another person to suffer the injustice which Musinguzi has protested?†Ngaruye asked.
The High Court sitting in Mbarara had just allowed the Electoral Commission to conduct the nomination today.
Justice Paul Mugamba dismissed with costs Musinguzi’s and voter John Bosco Twinomuhwezi’s application to postpone the nominations, citing heavy army deployment in the area and the interference of state agents in the electoral process.
Musinguzi said, “I don’t see myself participating in shambled elections. Those interested can proceed.â€
The seat fell vacant last month after the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court nullification of Mbabazi’s election over irregularities.
Justice Mugamba made his ruling at 4:00pm to a tense fully-packed courtroom. “This application is premature. The applicants have not proved that there are the alleged 7,000 troops in Kinkizi constituency. For the other irregularities alleged, the Electoral Commission can regulate them after the nominations. I, therefore, dismiss the application with costs,†he ruled.
The Movement director of information, Ofwono Opondo, was in court.
He said afterwards, “Musinguzi is a spoiler and Kanungu is a young district.â€
Ends