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Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Jinja Resident District Commissioner Joseph Erick Sakwa has filed a notice of appeal following a high court ruling directing him to vacate office.
His decision comes a few hours after the Jinja High court Judge Jeanne Rwakakooko dismissed with costs an application filed by Sakwa challenging his interdiction from office in the wake of criminal charges against him.
Sakwa was interdicted on May 4, 2020 following his arrest and subsequent prosecution on charges of manslaughter, malicious damage and theft. He is accused together with Bumali Bazimbyewa alias Chris Umar Dindodi and Muhammad Simba alias Meddie for causing the death of a businessman Charles Isanga and theft of his property.
However, Sakwa opposed his interdiction through his lawyers led by Evans Ochieng, saying he was never given a fair hearing. He secured an interim injunction which allowed him to stay in office pending the hearing of his main application.
On Tuesday, Justice Jeanne Rwakakooko dismissed Sakwa’s application on grounds that interdiction is the first step towards disciplinary proceedings. She explained that under the Public Service Standing Procedures, interdiction is only based on preliminary investigations and an officer on interdiction remains innocent until proven otherwise.
“Take notice that Sakwa Erick Joseph is dissatisfied with the ruling of Hon. Lady Justice Jeane Rwakakooko delivered electronically and in this application appeals to the Court of Appeal against the whole ruling,” reads the notice filed by his lawyer, David Nyote.
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