The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lady Justice Jeanne Rwakakooko of Fort Portal High court has asked the Electoral Commission to hire external lawyers to represent the commission in the ongoing election petitions.
On Monday, the EC representative lawyer Samuel Kiriaghe prayed to court to re-schedule some of the petitions on grounds that the commission had limited human resource. He argued that many of the legal personnel from the commission had more than one case to respond to each court day.
However, Justice Rwakakooko declined to the request and instead asked the commission to hire lawyers from external firms so that justice can be dispensed on time. The Justice said she had up to 14 days to handle the petitions before the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Rwakakooko directed both the petitioners and the respondents to harmonise on the areas of interest that they only want to be heard before court to save time. She also asked the legal representatives not to drag the court process with interest to show their clients that they are working so hard.
“I know some of you might want to show your clients that you are working very hard. Please these petitions are time bound,” said Justice Rwakakooko. Hearing of petitions before this court have been scheduled to start tomorrow.
The petitions include that filed by former Bughendera County MP Christopher Kibanzanga challenging the announced victory of Acrobert Moses Kiiza.
The others are petitions filled by former Bundibugyo LCV Ronald Mutegeki challenging the victory of his rival Robert Tibakunirwa and others and that of Nashir Mugume Vs the EC and others.
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