DP Members push for speedy disposal of their case involving Chairman Mao

KAMPALA– Benedicto Galiko Kiwanuka and other Democratic Party leaders, have expressed dissatisfaction with the speed at which the case involving Hon. Nobert Mao , their Party Party President (Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs) has been handled.

Early this year , High court Judge, Philip Odoki issued an order which declared Mao and other members leadership roles as illegal after court findings that these acted against the Party’s constitution.

In response to this court order, a section of Democratic Party leaders asked him to step aside and allow the interim council to conduct new leadership elections for the good of the party.

Mao rejected this decision on grounds that it was not legally binding.

This prompted Galiko to drag Mao, Dr. Gerald Siranda, Mayambala Kiwanuka and Hebert Rutagwera to court over contempt. The matter was expected to be disposed off in November 2024 which was not possible.

On addressing, journalists after adjournment of the matter to next year, Galiko noted that this case is taking long than expected to be disposed off yet the Electoral Commission has already released the road map for Parties to start preparations.

“We had hope that we could have the judgement of the matter today after waiting for some months now, but this has not been possible after receiving the Information that the trial judge , Dr. Douglas Singiza is currently in Dar es salaam on other official duties.”

That upon his return on Sunday, Monday he will head to Nebbi for a criminal session and he will be back for this case in February 2025.

“We have spent to much money in the process of coming to court. As all this goes on, there is no clear position on who is in charge of summoning of top Party Meetings and how shall get him.”

Sembatya Dalausi , vice Chairman DP Sembabule district, noted that according to the electoral road map which was released by the Electoral Commission, internal elections have kicked off now but DP they are still confused on who is in charge of their Party.

“In politics world wide, there is no way someone can be in government and opposition at the same time. A lady can’t get married in another family and still put restrictions on her ex husband who want to marry again.”

He added that these wrangles and misunderstandings with in DP have forced many of the Senior members of the party to migrate other opposition parties.