Court will hear a consolidated petition against EC chairman

By; Racheal Najjuma

04^th December 2019

The High Court has combined two suits seeking to order Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama out of office because he did not first resign as a judge of the Court of Appeal to take over another public office.

According to Justice Musa Ssekaana, when Mabirizi’s case came up for hearing he informed them that he will be hearing both suits at the same time the one filed by City Lawyer Male Mabirizi and 14 leaders from the People’s Government on December 12^th 2019 since they appear to be the same.

Mabirizi dragged Byabakama to court seeking for a permanent injunction restraining him from holding the office of the Chairperson of Electoral Commission and also declare the position of Electoral Chairperson as vacant as well as an order to pay him costs for damages caused to them.

However, the leaders from people’s government led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in their case filed on November 29th also partly seek for similar orders like Mabirizi with exception that they further challenge the appointment of the Secretary to the Commission Sam Rwakojo whose term is said to have ended far back but he is still serving.

Also in their suit, the People’s government is also challenging the December 11 2019 deadline put up by Electoral Commission for registration of all legible voters.