KAMPALA – The People’s Government has filed an application to the High Court seeking orders to remove Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama and Secretary Sam Rwakoojo from office arguing that both are holding their offices illegally.
According to People’s Government, Byabakama, who is the 2nd Responded in the Application, is serving as EC Chairman and yet he never resigned his position as Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Therefore, the application seeks to get a declaration of the court to the effect that Byabakama is holding his position at EC illegally and prohibit him from serving in that capacity.
On the other hand, the People’s Government says that Rwakoojo’s second and final term as EC secretary expired in September 2019 and that therefore acting in his capacity is illegal since he is not liable for reappointment.
The application seeks a declaration that whatever decisions Byabakama and Rwakoojo are taking are illegal, null and void.
The Applicants include Deputy President Erias Lukwago, Speaker of the National People’s Assembly and Deputy Oduman Okello and Cissy Nabatanzi, FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Prime Minister Proscovia Salaamu-Musumba, Information Minister MP Bakireke Nambooze, Minister for Presidency Wafula Oguttu, Internal Affairs Minister Ingrid Turinawe Hon. Jack Sabiiti, Deputy Minister for Planning and Economic Development Michael Kabaziguruka, Nyanjura Doreen and Okello Kennedy, Health and Deputy Ministers Ekwaru and Dominic Wakabi.
Addressing media, the People’s Government President Kizza Besigye said besides occupying offices illegally, the manner in which EC is conducting the National Voter Register Update is equally dubious.
Kizza Besigye says elections are necessary but elections must be free and fair and organised in accordance with the law.