Suspension: Attorney General scoffs at lawyers

By Vision Reporter            

Attorney General, Peter Nyombi, is not bothered by a resolution of lawyers suspending him from the Uganda Law Society (ULS).

“I execute my duties in accordance with the law and I have not regret,” Nyombi said on Friday.

The lawyers accuse Nyombi of giving legal opinions that are inconsistent with the national Constitution.

But Nyombi scoffed at his learned friends' move. “They cannot suspend me. I wish them well,” he said.

The resolution was adopted during an extra-ordinary meeting, amid opposition from ULS president Ruth Sebatindira and some members arguing that there was no law empowering them from suspending Nyombi as a member. They argued that the Attorney General is a member of the society by virtue of his office under the law.

Nyombi didn't attend the heated meeting lasting close to three hours and attracted a big turn up. But some prominent city lawyers stayed away.

The meeting held at Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala was convened following a petition filed by members who included former ULS president Bruce Kyerere, among others, against Nyombi.

The meeting also resolved that law society challenges Odoki's reappointment in courts of law should he be approved by parliament.  

"This assembly resolves that Mr. Peter Nyombi be suspended from the membership of Uganda law society, the assembly also resolves that the Uganda law society issues Honorable Peter Nyombi with a certificate of incompetence," declared Nicholas Opio, the secretary general ULS amidst applause from members of the law society.

The lawyers resolved to ask Parliament to consider introducing a law that bars the Attorney General from political orientation. They also want Nyombi referred to the Law Council for disciplinary action.

"The assembly resolves that Uganda law society expresses its extreme displeasure with the conduct of Nyombi and it disassociates itself from his conduct and legal opinions that are inconsistent with the constitution," the resolution said.

The lawyers accuse Nyombi of exhibiting irresponsible behavior in his actions as Attorney General, and embarrassing the profession.

 In their petition the lawyers specifically accused Nyombi of misadvising government on the re-appointment of Chief justice Benjamin Odoki, appointment of Gen Aronda Nyakayirima as minister while he remains serving army officer, and delay to appeal against the award of sh13b to city lawyer Twinobusingye Severino in the oil case.

The Society has in the past similarly suspended a number of government officials including former Attorney General Kiddu Makubuya, the former coordinator of Security services General David Sejusa, the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura and the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Richard Butera now a judge. But the suspensions have not impacted on their positions.

The ULS members also urged Parliament to reject the re-appointment of chief Justice Benjamin Odoki.