We expected them to do it that way , says CCEDU on Supreme Court verdict

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), a civil society organization that advocates for electoral democracy in Uganda has said the there is not surprise in the verdict made  by the Supreme Court during  age limit judgment.

The Supreme Court in a 4:3 majority judgment dismissed a challenge by three parties who had challenged the constitutional court ruling that had upheld age limit clauses from the constitution by parliament.

“The decision of the constitutional court is upheld and this appeal fails,” said Justice Eldad Mwanguya who read the final verdict on behalf of the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe who was unwell.

In his comment about the verdict, Crispin Kaheru, the CCEDU coordinator said despite the judgment being of more quality than one of the Constitutional Court, such an outcome was expected of it.

“The overall Supreme Court verdict fell within expectation – under the circumstances,”Kaheru said.

“In a country where you have a very dominant presidency or executive, it would be hasty to imagine that the Supreme Court would make a ruling that would politically upset the executive.”

According to CCEDU’s Kaheru, Uganda is still caught up in a situation where there is an overbearing executive that influences most of the actions and decisions of the courts of law.

The deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana said Ugandans have a reason to rejoice after the Supreme Court verdict.

 “I congratulate everyone for this triumph. This calls for every Ugandan to celebrate for democracy and rule of law have taken root in our country,”Rukutana said.

Describing the judgment as being well balanced, Rukutana noted that it had represented the will of the people who had in the first place requested to have the age limit removed from the constitution.

However, Democratic Party president Norbert Mao said the judgment was a mockery of democracy and rule of law in the country, noting that it was illegitimate.

“Ugandans who had hopes in this court are disappointed .We respect the judgment but consider it illegitimate,” Mao said shortly after court.

“You can’t torture legislators and at the end of the day you say the outcome was clean.”

 

Reader's Comments

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST STORIES