Opposition abandons bid to stop NRM conference

Dec 12, 2014

Two opposition legislators plus an opposition activist have abandoned a court bid to temporarily halt the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates’ conference slated for Monday.

By Andante Okanya  

Two opposition legislators plus an opposition activist have abandoned a court bid to temporarily halt the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates’ conference slated for Monday.

MPs Gonzaga Ssewungu (Kalungu East), Rebecca Bukenya (Luweero MP), and Church Ambrose Bukenya, abandoned their bid at the civil division of the High Court in Kampala.

Their lawyer Jude Mbabaali conceded that it was apparent that preparations for the conference were in high gear and that the application was being overtaken by events.

“Given the prevailing circumstances and having consulted one of my clients (Bukenya) who is in court, we withdraw the application for interim orders and pray for a date for the main application,” Mbabaali stated, and requested that his clients are not condemned to costs.

Accordingly, presiding judge Elizabeth Musoke accepted the request, and adjourned proceedings to next year February 19, for main case.

Lawyers Kiwanuka Kiryowa, Ahmed Kalule, and Enock Barata, appeared for party chairman (President Yoweri Museveni), who was represented by Rtd Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi.

Secretary Mbabazi legal team comprised of John Mary Mugisha, Fred Muwema, Michael Akampulira, Severino Twinobusingye, and Blair Twebembeire.

Museveni and Mbabazi are listed as respondents in the case. The opposition figures contend that the conference was called without notification to the Electoral Commission.

They also assert that it was called without the commission publishing the information in the official gazette as required by law.

The applicants also want court to pronounce that it is illegal for NRM to use Resident District Commissioners (RDC) for accreditation as illegal.

The party is using the RDCs to certify delegates for accreditation to the conference.

The complainants are also opposed to the proposal that the posts for the party be elective and not appointive, as enshrined in Article 71(d) of Uganda’s Constitution.

Speaking outside court shortly after the case had been adjourned,  Mbabaali said it was a blessing in disguise to abandon the temporary application, as it would give them more ammunition for battle in the main case.

 


 

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