The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Newly re-elected Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will finally be sworn in on June 1 at City hall.
“The Electoral Commission has now communicated on the publication of all the elected Kampala leaders in the Uganda Gazatte,” said Peter Kaujju in a communique from Kampala Capital City Authority.
“As such, all Political Leaders in the City shall be sworn in on 1st June 2016 beginning at 9am for the Lord Mayor and Authority Councillors at City Hall Gardens and 2pm for Division Mayors and Councillors in the respective Divisions.”
Kaujju, who is the Acting Head of Public and Corporate Affairs, added that “all necessary arrangements for the functions are being made to ensure successful ceremonies and details will be communicated to you through the office of the Clerk to the Authority.We once again congratulate you upon being elected to your respective offices.”
Lukwago had earlier attempted to get back to his office before the swearing in but failed after it was ruled that a pending case in which he challenged government over his status was completed.
The Attorney General said the he would only return to his office afterthe current term expires and he is duly sworn in.
Swearing-in of Kampala elected leaders is slated for 1 June 2016. Download the communiqué: https://t.co/EtJX9mfi4S pic.twitter.com/G6eEsf1rli
— KCCA (@KCCAUG) May 20, 2016
Lukwago-KCCA: Long history of battles
Last month, the Attorney General advised that it would be contempt of court orders to allow the Lord Mayor back earlier as he had wished.
Through a letter signed April 13, 2016 by Denis Bireije for the Solicitor General, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Jennifer Musisi was told that the Attorney General’s instructions were that “it would be contempt of court orders for Mr Erias Lukwago to access the office of the Lord Mayor, perform any function or derive any benefit that comes with the office in the current term unless and until the court orders otherwise.”
The court, in reference, is Lukwago’s appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to vacate the orders issued by the Court of Appeal (App No 6 of 2014) barring him from office. The matter came up for hearing on April 11, 2014.
“You are advised to inform Messrs Lukwago and Co Advocates that you would be acting in contempt of the Order 4 of the Supreme Court by complying with their demands because the said Order precludes Mr Erias Lukwago from accessing the office of the Lord Mayor and performing its incidental duties during the current term.”
Lukwago’s demands
In a notice addressed to the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority through Lukwago and Co. Advocates, Lukwago demanded an apology from the Authority for the fallacious statement barring the client from accessing the office and payments of his salary arrears together with the staff attached to his office that accrued since November 2013 ought be paid not exceeding 15th April.
He requested the technical staff to desist from uttering or issuing provocative remarks or statements that would inflame the volatile environment at KCCA.
Sequence of court events
March 28 2014 – Lukwago sought for and was granted a temporary injunctiion restraining the Attorney General, the Electoral Commission, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Eng Badru Kiggundu from acting in contempt of a court order by declaring his seat vacant and organising a by-eleciton for his position. In effect, this meant that he could go back to office and indeed, Lukwago went back to office on March 31, 2014.
On March 31, 2014 – Court of Appeal restrained Lukwago from performing the functions of the Lord Mayor of KCCA pending determination of the main application. The main application referred to in the order was supposed to be fixed and heard within a period of 21 days.
On April 11, 2014 – Before the 21 days lapsed, Mr Erias Lukwago applead to the Supreme Court seeking to vacate the orders issued by the Court of Appeal (App No 6 of 2014). The matter came up for hearing on April 11, 2014.
