Judge suspends CBS radio case
17th February 2010
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize has put on hold the case of CBS employees against the Government over the closure of the radio station, asking the lawyers to find an out-of-court settlement.
By Andante Okanya, Hillary Nsambu and Justus Akampa
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize has put on hold the case of CBS employees against the Government over the closure of the radio station, asking the lawyers to find an out-of-court settlement.
“I believe there is no case that can’t be settled. People rush to court because they refuse to communicate. I would pray that the counsels talk. Leave the parties aside,†Zehurikize said yesterday.
He adjourned the case up to April 20, saying the two-month period would give the parties enough time to discuss and probably resolve the case.
Over 100 CBS employees have sued the Government asking to be compensated for the loss of employment due to the station’s closure. They are demanding remedies through cost, damage and interest of up to sh3b.
The radio was closed during the September riots in Buganda region over what the Government called inflammatory statements by some presenters.
The licence of the station was subsequently suspended by the Uganda Broadcasting Council, which said CBS management failed to adhere to the licence terms.
Hearing the case yesterday, Zehurikize requested the lawyers representing both sides to discuss the matter as learned friends, and then advise their clients appropriately.
He said there were a lot of emotions coming from both parties which were blocking communication avenues to iron out the differences.
John Katende of Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, representing CBS, and Margaret Apiny, representing the Attorney General, agreed to meet over the matter.
During the hearing, the Police maintained tight security at the court premises. Anyone entering the premises was subjected to a thorough body check.
The courtroom was packed with employees of CBS dressed in T-shirts bearing the station’s logo. Conservative Party president Ken Lukyamuzi attended the hearing.
The negotiations between the central Government and Mengo reached a deadlock after the Buganda kingdom rejected the terms for the reopening of the station.
The Cabinet asked for an apology and for CBS employees to drop all court proceedings against the Government.
Other conditions are the relocation of the CBS studios from Bulange, the administrative seat of the Buganda kingdom, and adherence to the broadcasting standards, including purging programmes that incite violence and public disorder.
HIGH Court judge Vincent Zehurikize has put on hold the case of CBS employees against the Government over the closure of the radio station, asking the lawyers to find an out-of-court settlement.
“I believe there is no case that can’t be settled. People rush to court because they refuse to communicate. I would pray that the counsels talk. Leave the parties aside,†Zehurikize said yesterday.
He adjourned the case up to April 20, saying the two-month period would give the parties enough time to discuss and probably resolve the case.
Over 100 CBS employees have sued the Government asking to be compensated for the loss of employment due to the station’s closure. They are demanding remedies through cost, damage and interest of up to sh3b.
The radio was closed during the September riots in Buganda region over what the Government called inflammatory statements by some presenters.
The licence of the station was subsequently suspended by the Uganda Broadcasting Council, which said CBS management failed to adhere to the licence terms.
Hearing the case yesterday, Zehurikize requested the lawyers representing both sides to discuss the matter as learned friends, and then advise their clients appropriately.
He said there were a lot of emotions coming from both parties which were blocking communication avenues to iron out the differences.
John Katende of Katende, Ssempebwa and Company Advocates, representing CBS, and Margaret Apiny, representing the Attorney General, agreed to meet over the matter.
During the hearing, the Police maintained tight security at the court premises. Anyone entering the premises was subjected to a thorough body check.
The courtroom was packed with employees of CBS dressed in T-shirts bearing the station’s logo. Conservative Party president Ken Lukyamuzi attended the hearing.
The negotiations between the central Government and Mengo reached a deadlock after the Buganda kingdom rejected the terms for the reopening of the station.
The Cabinet asked for an apology and for CBS employees to drop all court proceedings against the Government.
Other conditions are the relocation of the CBS studios from Bulange, the administrative seat of the Buganda kingdom, and adherence to the broadcasting standards, including purging programmes that incite violence and public disorder.