Court advises CP rivals to reconcile

By Andante Okanya

Justice Vincent Zehurikize has advised the warring factions in the Conservative Party (CP) to reconcile.

Zehurikize also advised politicians to learn to amicably resolve their differences rather than resorting to the courts.

“Make sacrifices for the good of the party. You are squabbling over minor things. What is paramount for the party is that a delegate’s conference is called to elect officebearers,” said Zehurikize at the High Court on Wednesday.

On March 12, the mainstream faction of the party, led by Ken Lukyamuzi, asked court to declare that Dan Walyemera has ceased being its secretary general. The suit is also against four other members — Ali Mubiru (legal adviser), Fredrick Guweddeko (policy analyst), Wasib Magira (vice president) and Fredrick Lubowa (vice-chairperson).

It is alleged that on February 18, the defendants disregarded the party’s constitution when they convened a meeting and purported to dismiss some party officials. They are also accused of uttering defamatory statements against Lukyamuzi.

The five were indefinitely suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in February.

Additionally, the party wants the defendants permanently restrained from representing or acting on behalf of the party.

The parties are expected to report to court on May 11.