KAMPALA – The former Forum for Democratic Change FDC President Dr Kiiza Besigye and the Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, are heading unregistered political organisations, a lawsuit filed by a concerned citizen says.
The case filed in the Constitutional Court on July 26, claims the duo are violating Article 72 [2] of the constitution; a reserve of only registered political parties.
Mr Adens Rutaro Ntare, in his petition filed before the Constitutional Court accuses Bobi Wine of running a self-styled political organisation with three names of ‘People Power Movement’, ‘People Power-Uganda’ and ‘People Power’, which he uses interchangeably and that he has gone ahead to appoint regional coordinators which is a reserve of duly registered political parties.
The petitioner further accuses Dr Besigye of establishing, running and mobilising political activities with national structures under ‘People’s Government’ in contravention of the provisions of the Constitution.
The chief legal adviser of government [The attorney General], has also been jointly sued on grounds that he has failed to halt such ‘unlawful activities’.
The spokesperson of the People Power Movement, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, has equally been sued over similar accusations.
“A declaration that the actions of the 1st respondent (Mr Ssenyonyi) and 2nd respondent (Bobi Wine) under their unregistered political organisation/party of People Power Movement used interchangeably, appointing regional coordinators is in contravention of Article 72 (2) of the Constitution,” the petition reads in part.
“Your petitioner states that the omissions of the 4th respondent (AG) through the established structures of the Executive in failing to halt the activities of both unlawful organisations of People Power Movement and Peoples’ government, is an abdication of his constitutional mandate therefore, is in contravention of Article 119 (4) of the Constitution,” the suit further reads.
The suit came barely a day after Bobi Wine unveiled his regional coordinators in preparation for the 2021 general elections.
The FDC Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, when contacted for a comment, said he was not aware of the suit but added quickly that all Ugandans are entitled to their opinions.
“We are definitely going to respond when it comes to our desk, we have no worries because we know that these people are planted everywhere to disrupt our organisations as we head towards 2021 elections,” said Mr Nandala.
