NRM party sues former EALA aspirants, demands UGX 380 million in court costs
Mivule Ronald Musoke (center) addresses a press conference in 2022, alongside fellow NRM members who are among the 22 members being sued by the NRM party for UGX 380 million in court costs over their protest against the party’s decision to reserve East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) positions for incumbents (PHOTO/Screen grab)KAMPALA — The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and its electoral commission have filed a lawsuit against 22 of their own members, seeking to recover UGX 380 million in court costs. The lawsuit stems from a dispute over the party’s decision to reserve East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) positions for incumbents in 2022.The respondents, including Mivule Ronald Musoke, Niwabine Jossy, Maganda Julius, and others, protested the party’s decision, leading to a legal battle. Other members being sued are Ruth Karungi Tukahirwa, Isa Kato, Nuwagaba Herbert, Dr. Isaac Lwanga Byangire, Samuel Mugenyi, Kyasimire Sheilah, Amanyi German, Kyaguba Robert, Abigaba Adonia, Nampwera Ambrose, Rwebisengye L.B, Kizito Richard, Ategeka Moses, Webele Robert, Kawooya Kigongo Samuel, Agaba Gilbert, Asiimwe Michael, Dr. Kisembo Emmanuel, and Mutiska Ivan, who are being accused of protesting the party’s decision, leading to a legal battle.The NRM party and its electoral commission have now filed a taxation application in the High Court of Uganda, seeking to recover costs from the respondents. The bill of costs, dated August 29, 2024, details various expenses, including professional fees, drawing and preparing affidavits, attending court hearings, and transport costs. The total amount claimed is UGX 38,266,200, inclusive of VAT and disbursements.The respondents have been summoned to appear in court on September 25, 2024, for the taxation hearing. If they fail to appear, the case may be taxed in their absence.In 2022, twenty-three aspirants petitioned the High Court to restrain the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM party from implementing its decision to ring-fence six positions of members of parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly-EALA. The applicants were part of more than 100 people who had expressed interest in holding the flag for NRM in the coming elections for six out of the nine EALA seats meant for Uganda.In their petition before the High Court Civil Division, they contended that the Central Executive Committee, NRM’s top organ, violated their constitutional rights when it chose to maintain the incumbent MPs in the assembly in its July 8th, 2022 decision.“The 4th Central Executive Committee-CEC of the National Resistance Movement-NRM, at its 10th meeting sitting at Entebbe on Friday, July 8th, 2022, hereby recommends that the incumbent EALA members be maintained in recognition of their exceptional performance to continue their tenure for another term,” Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, communicated.CEC then recommended the incumbent EALA members to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus as the NRM candidates for the EALA seats. They include Mary Mugyenyi, Rose Akol, Stephen George Odongo, Denis Namara, James Kakooza, and Paul Musamali Mwasa.The petitioners contended that by ring-fencing the EALA positions, they were denied an opportunity to democratically contest for election, which violates their constitutional rights. They added that they were denied the opportunity to express themselves, campaign, and mobilize support for their candidature, which amounts to disenfranchisement, and that they have since suffered losses as a result of the CEC resolution.They sought to have the court declare that the CEC resolution to endorse/nominate the incumbent NRM representatives to the EALA as party candidates for the 2022-2027 term of office without holding valid elections is tainted with illegality, irrationality, unreasonableness, procedural impropriety, discrimination against other aspiring contestants, and therefore null and void.They further wanted an injunction restraining the respondents, who include the NRM party and its Electoral Commission, from implementing the resolution unless the same is amended to allow the nomination and primary elections of flag bearers.The applicants’ lawyer, Robert Rutaro, said at the time that his clients also wanted an order directing the party to nominate them and pay them damages caused to them because of the CEC decision.On July 11th, 2022, the applicants wrote to the NRM Secretary General, the party chairperson Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the party Electoral Commission chairperson, informing them about their intention to sue stemming from the CEC decision. They asked them to reverse the decision within three days and nominate them to the NRM parliamentary caucus to campaign and seek votes as flag bearers.The NRM party won the case and now seeks to recover costs from the respondentsRelatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/news/2024/09/nrm-party-sues-former-eala-aspirants-demands-ugx-380-million-in-court-costs.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum