Minister Kamya asks court to give her a second chance to talk with Lukwago

Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The High Court in Kampala has given Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Minister in-charge of Kampala  Betty Olive Namisango Kamya another chance to explore an amicable settlement of their differences.

This after Kamya’s new lawyer MacDusman Kabega informed Justice Wolayo Henreitta that they were unable to meet on April 18, 2018 for Mediation, and him  being a new lawyer in the matter, it would be fair the court gives them a second chance.

Justice Wolayo then adjourned the case to June 11, saying she expects Kamya and Lukwago to have finalized their talks.

Kamya had been summoned to court on Tuesday to be cross-examined on allegations that she is interfering with the executive powers of the Lord Mayor. Neither Kamya nor Lukwago turned up but sent their lawyers to court to represent them.

Lukwago dragged  Kamya to court  while accusing her of passing-off as  the political head of the city whereas she was not the one elected by people’s mandate .

Lukwago claims his mandate to serve as the duly elected mayor of the city has been usurped by Kamya, who even took a decision on the January 23, 2018 to suspend council meetings where deliberations and decisions on how to govern the city are made.

According to court documents, Kamya stalled the council meetings on grounds that they are illegal and no longer relevant to the city, a decision that Lukwago describes as irrational and unreasonable.

In his petition, Lukwago seeks orders to quash Kamya’s decision regarding the legality of council meetings and another decision that subjects all his travels as the Lord Mayor to a “ministerial permit”.

Lukwago claims such decisions are an infringement and abuse of his rights and freedoms.

Through his own  law firm of Lukwago and Company Advocates, Lukwago contends that unless court intervenes and restrains Kamya from making such irrational decisions and passing off as the Lord Mayor , the sovereignty of the people of Kampala will be put in jeopardy and  hence forth affect  the social contract he made with his voters in May 2016.