Kampala
The High Court yesterday gave the green light to a petition challenging President Musevenis unopposed election as flag bearer for the NRM in next years general election and his selection by the partys top organs as chairman.
The challenge was brought by retired Capt. Daudi Ruhenda Maguru who accuses the party of unfairly edging him out to declare Museveni unopposed for the two posts. The court ordered the President in his capacity as NRM party chairman and flag bearer and Secretary General Amama Mbabazi and the party to file a defence within 15 days.
The summons follow a petition filled by Mr Maguru on Friday seeking court orders for fresh elections citing his alleged illegal removal from the NRM party race by the NRM Electoral Commission.
NRM to respond
In his petition, Maguru says he and Mr Museveni were the only candidates who were dully nominated to contest for the party chairmanship and presidential flag bearer but Museveni was later declared unopposed.
High Court registrar Isaac Muwata issued the orders, saying the respondents should file their defence within 15 days or else court shall proceed and pass judgment in their absentia. But NRM publicist Ofwono Opondo said last evening that the party had not received the summons, adding that the party respects the law and would respond when they receive the summons.
As a sitting President, Mr Museveni is shielded from appearing in court.
Criminal or civil proceedings may only be instituted against him after ceasing to be a president.
Mr Maguru, a former presidential escort, is also seeking special damages of Shs50m which he says he spent while preparing for the elections.
This file was allocated to Judge Yorokamu Bamwine but he declined. He referred the file back to the registrar for re-allocation to another judge. This might take a little longer as most High Court judges are presiding over criminal sessions upcountry.
The High Court yesterday gave the green light to a petition challenging President Musevenis unopposed election as flag bearer for the NRM in next years general election and his selection by the partys top organs as chairman.
The challenge was brought by retired Capt. Daudi Ruhenda Maguru who accuses the party of unfairly edging him out to declare Museveni unopposed for the two posts. The court ordered the President in his capacity as NRM party chairman and flag bearer and Secretary General Amama Mbabazi and the party to file a defence within 15 days.
The summons follow a petition filled by Mr Maguru on Friday seeking court orders for fresh elections citing his alleged illegal removal from the NRM party race by the NRM Electoral Commission.
NRM to respond
In his petition, Maguru says he and Mr Museveni were the only candidates who were dully nominated to contest for the party chairmanship and presidential flag bearer but Museveni was later declared unopposed.
High Court registrar Isaac Muwata issued the orders, saying the respondents should file their defence within 15 days or else court shall proceed and pass judgment in their absentia. But NRM publicist Ofwono Opondo said last evening that the party had not received the summons, adding that the party respects the law and would respond when they receive the summons.
As a sitting President, Mr Museveni is shielded from appearing in court.
Criminal or civil proceedings may only be instituted against him after ceasing to be a president.
Mr Maguru, a former presidential escort, is also seeking special damages of Shs50m which he says he spent while preparing for the elections.
This file was allocated to Judge Yorokamu Bamwine but he declined. He referred the file back to the registrar for re-allocation to another judge. This might take a little longer as most High Court judges are presiding over criminal sessions upcountry.
