Govt told to settle CBS case
Apr 21, 2010
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize yesterday asked the Government and CBS radio employees to reach an amicable settlement over the closure of the station.
By Andante Okanya
and Hillary Nsambu
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize yesterday asked the Government and CBS radio employees to reach an amicable settlement over the closure of the station.
The judge criticised the Attorney General for dragging his feet on the matter.
The Uganda Broadcasting Council closed the radio station in September last year over allegations that it had incited the public to riot after the Katikkiro of Buganda, John Baptist Walusimbi, was barred from proceeding to Kayunga to prepare for the Kabaka’s visit.
Over 100 CBS employees last year dragged the Government to court, seeking orders to have the station re-opened. They argued that its closure was unjustified and had rendered them jobless.
The employees, who were represented by Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, want the Government to pay them sh3b compensation.
They also want the court to order the Government to pay general damages plus the costs of the suit.
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, Zehurikize emphasised that the two sides should find an amicable agreement.
“If a tangible settlement is to be reached, it should be the defendant to make a proposal. This is because the plaintiffs have put forward their case and said what they want,†the judge said.
Zehurikize added that the two parties need each other, as the station disseminates information the Government wants people to hear.
and Hillary Nsambu
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize yesterday asked the Government and CBS radio employees to reach an amicable settlement over the closure of the station.
The judge criticised the Attorney General for dragging his feet on the matter.
The Uganda Broadcasting Council closed the radio station in September last year over allegations that it had incited the public to riot after the Katikkiro of Buganda, John Baptist Walusimbi, was barred from proceeding to Kayunga to prepare for the Kabaka’s visit.
Over 100 CBS employees last year dragged the Government to court, seeking orders to have the station re-opened. They argued that its closure was unjustified and had rendered them jobless.
The employees, who were represented by Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, want the Government to pay them sh3b compensation.
They also want the court to order the Government to pay general damages plus the costs of the suit.
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, Zehurikize emphasised that the two sides should find an amicable agreement.
“If a tangible settlement is to be reached, it should be the defendant to make a proposal. This is because the plaintiffs have put forward their case and said what they want,†the judge said.
Zehurikize added that the two parties need each other, as the station disseminates information the Government wants people to hear.