KAMPALA -A group of Democratic Party (DP) members led by Benedicto Kiwanuka Galiko are still confused about the future of one of Uganda’s oldest Political Party which appears to the worst.
These who have pending cases in various courts of law challenging Mao’s leadership, were surprised to learn that the group had defied Justice Douglas Singiza’s order and instead held both a National Executive committee (NEC) and National council meetings in Soroti.
“This group held a meeting on 19th May 2024 in Mbale contrary to Justice Philip Odoki’s ruling. I filed a case against them for contempt of Court before High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza who issued an order that no meeting should be held until the matter is fully heard and disposed off.” Remarked Benedicto Kiwanuka Galiko, the petitioner in High Court
He pointed out that he was shocked for Mao and his group to engage in contempt of Court for the second time despite of the fact they had representatives in court when the orders were issued.
“The meeting in Soroti was not gazetted as stated in the Party constitution. I received the information about this meeting from well wishers of the party and I immediately filed a temporary injunction and exparte interim order.”
Galiko also pointed out that it’s surprising to find that all Judicial officers involved in Democratic Party cases receive transfers or assignments wherever they are about to conclude these matters. He gave an example of Justice Douglas Singiza who has been attending workshops, holding criminal sessions whenever the matter was coming up for hearing.
“The last time I appeared in court appeared in court for the ruling in my case. The judge had Besigye’s case which started in the morning and ended at around 1.30pm, the judge promised to deliver the judgement on 13th May 2025 at 9.30 am. I was surprised to hear on Wednesday that he had been appointed as Chairman Judicial Service Commission.”
He noted that this decision, is most likely to delay their case Incase a new judge is assigned, it may take them time and more resources to hear that matter afresh.
“I call upon all Democratic Party members and other opposition party members to join this fight of ensuring that Political parties are operated in line with their Constitution instead of being governed by individuals.”
Galiko promised that , he is in preparations of filing a second case for contempt of Court in regards to the Soroti meeting.
At the beginning of 2024, High court Judge, Philip Odoki issued an order declaring Mao and other members with leadership roles as illegal after court findings that they had been assigned those roles in a meeting which was held against the Party’s constitution.
The group refused to respect this decision and went on with Party activities which prompted Galiko to drag them to court of contempt.
Mao reacts
On addressing delegates at the National Council meeting in Soroti over the weekend, Mao assured delegates that the cooperation agreement between DP and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) remains under the control of the National Council and can be reviewed or even terminated within a month if necessary.
Mao also dismissed rumors of selling off the party, adding that the National council is the one to decide on the Party’s future not him as an individual.
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