The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Energy and Mineral Development Minister, Engineer Irene Muloni has constituted a new electricity disputes tribunal. The tribunal under section 93 on the Electricity Act has been almost inactive for thirteen years because of lack of quorum.
A statement from the Ministry says the Minister on Friday presented to the Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe five new members to take oath as required by law. The Tribunal is chaired by Charles Owor and deputized by Anacelet Turyakira. It had for long been operating with three members until the death Engineer Moses Musaazi last year.
Five new members were appointed by Engineer Muloni. They include The new members include Engineer Dr. Terry Kahuma, a former Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. Dr. Terry Kahuma is also the Dean of Science and Technology at Victoria University.
Also on the board is Christine Muhindo, the presidential advisor in charge of affairs in the Rwenzori region. Others include One Harriet Wanyoto and Judy Mike Mudooma and Engineer Paul Mubiru.
Engineer Paul Mubiru in 2016was the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy. The President ordered for his suspension over alleged shoddy work at the Karuma and Isimba dams.
The statement says Chief Justice Bart Katureebe welcomed the move to have a fully constituted Electricity Disputes Tribunal saying that a growing economy generates a myriad of business disputes, which may require such specialized tribunals.
“To facilitate a fast, and efficient resolution of industry related disputes, we need such tribunals. Unresolved disputes lead to long delays in growth as business comes to a standstill awaiting justice”, said Justice
Katureeba. Justice Katureeba added that about 3-4 trillion shillings is tied up in the commercial court due to unresolved disputes.
He said such Tribunals are needed in the entire country not only to speed up justice but to also facilitate business and growth.
Electricity Disputes Tribunal chairperson, Charles Okoth Owor said the demise of their colleague in 2018 had negatively impacted the ability of the Tribunal to function.
“We are pleased to have new members to the tribunal. The EDT can now resume work on the backlog of complaints that have accumulated overtime since we lost our colleague Eng. Dr Musaazi”, said Okoth Owor.
Section 93 of the Electricity Act, Chapter 145, Laws of Uganda provides for the establishment of an Electricity Disputes Tribunal. By statute, the jurisdiction and primary objective of the Electricity Disputes Tribunal is to hear and determine all matters referred to it relating to the electricity sector.
******
URN
