The Judiciary publicist, Elias Kisawuzi read the ruling, made by five judges led by the Deputy Chief Justice, Mpagi Bahigeine.

According to the ruling the petitioners had failed to adduce satisfactory evidence that the money was expended without approval.

The judges said they acted on credible evidence adduced before them and did not indulge in speculation or attractive reasoning.

The petitioners who include Hon. Beatrice Anywar, Action Aid Uganda, Forum for Women in Democracy Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), and Centre for Public Interest Law had sought declarations that the 20 million payments to each MP was unconstitutional, unlawful and had applied for orders that the 6.2 billion shillings be refunded by the recipients.

The petitioners contend that the money was a bribe by government to MPs to compel them to pass the abrupt supplementary budget during the campaign period.

The petitioners were represented by their lawyer Francis Gimara who later told journalists that they will have to first study and understand the judgment in detail before taking the next move.

Ultimate Media

The post Constitutional Court saves MPs over 20 million first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Now the party leaders have resorted to calling upon their supporters to contribute money towards this “cause”.  DP has fronted Brenda Nabukenya, currently the UYD leader in charge of social affairs to represent the party in the Luweero Woman MP race. The leaders are using SMS messages to call people to contribute money.

The Electoral Commission has started updating the National Voters’ Register for Luweero district in preparation for a by-election for the woman legislator. The commission has also set November 21 as the polling day for the district woman member of parliament.

The seat fell vacant after Ms Nabatanzi Lugudde (Independent) successfully challenged in Court the election victory of Ms Rebecca Lukwago (NRM) over voter bribery.

The updating exercises ended on October 20th. The consultative meeting with the commission officials and stakeholders in Luwero district was held on October 18.

The three Candidates were nominated on October 25 to 26th followed by five days for inspection of candidates’ nomination papers and lodging of complaints. The campaign period has started and the candidates need money to pull off a successful campaign.

By Maureen Nakyanzi

The post DP mobilizes funds to participate in Luweero woman MP by election first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.