UPC rival group defies court, convenes meeting

By Jeff Lule, Moses Walubiri and Darious Magara

UGANDA People’s Congress (UPC) sacked officials have gone ahead to hold a national consultative meeting, defying a court order restraining them from holding any meeting on behalf of the party.

UPC secured an interim court order from Nakawa High Court restraining Maj. Edward Rurangaranga (national chairman), David Pulkol (secretary policy and national mobilization), John Odit (secretary general) and Moses Nuwagaba (publicity secretary) the sacked officials or there agents from conducting any business on behalf of the party and specifically from convening the party’s National Council (NC) meeting.

This follows the officials’ plan to hold a NC meeting on January 13 and 14, 2012. The meeting is aimed at throwing out the party president, Dr Olara Otunnu whom they accuse of having divided the party members.

Otunnu said any meeting or activity held by the group on behalf of the party is illegal because they have no mandate.

“I appointed them and I used my constitutional powers as the party head to replace them. All meetings are convened by the national chairman on the advice of the party president which has not taken place yet,” he said.

The injunction is on for seven days until court pronounces itself on the matter.

Rurangaranga confirmed having received the injunction and abandoned the NC meeting, but said a consultative meeting spearheaded by the party MPs was taking place.

Splinter group: UPC National Chairman, Maj. (Rtd) Edward Rurangaranga (centre) addressing a press conference on last week.  Looking on are UPC Secretary General, John Odit (right) and party spokesperson, Moses Nuwagaba (left).
PHOTO BY AYIGA ONDOGA.

The meeting is to take place at Oasis Restaurant Lugogo indoor stadium from January 13 and 14.

“The injunction does not stop other concerned party members to see how the party runs. MPs have decided to hold another consultative meeting with the NC members to discuss various issues,” Rurangaranga said.

He said they were also suspicious on the legality of the injunction since courts are in vacation and have already instructed lawyers to follow up the matter. 

All MPs are expected excluding the newly appointed secretary general Fr. Jacinto Ogwal (Otuke county) who is on Otunnu’s side.

The meeting is to discuss the conduct and actions of Otunnu and gather sufficient signatures to impeach him in the next delegates’ conference.

Nuwagaba said they only need a third of the members of the NC to move forward. He said the meeting will also gather signatures to push Otunnu convene a delegates’ conference, saying that they will use the same signatures to go to court if Otunnu fails to respond.