By Our Reporter
4th Jan 2023
A section of lawyers have endorsed a plea to convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Uganda Law Society, to address concerns surrounding perceived judicial misconduct attributed to Justice Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema in a case about the Tilenga oil land dispute.
Initiated by human rights lawyer Eron Kizza, the petition, among other accusations, contends that Justice Byaruhanga violated established legal principles by delivering a verdict in the land case within four days, without allowing the accused parties to respond or contest the matter.
The petition contends that such behavior not only violates established legal norms and defies logical reasoning but also undermines the rule of law.
This has led to a challenge to the legitimacy of both the specific court and Justice Byaruhanga, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
On December 8th, Justice Byaruhanga ruled against 42 landowners refusing the government’s proposed compensation rates.
The compensation aimed to facilitate the relocation of these landowners, clearing the path for the development of oil infrastructure as part of the Tilenga project by TotalEnergies.
Justice Byaruhanga directed the government, represented by the Ministry of Energy and the Attorney General, to deposit compensation funds with the court.
Furthermore, he ordered the vacant possession of 59.674 acres of land for petroleum activities under the Tilenga project.
End
Next:
Previous:
