ugnet_: Uganda minister wins seat-BBC

[Omar Kezimbira]

Thursday, 16 January, 2003, 12:43 GMT Ugandan minister wins seat Political parties are banned but elections keenly fought Ugandan Defence Minister Amama Mbabazi has been declared winner of a parliamentary by-election after his opponent withdrew amid controversy. The parliamentary seat, Kinkizi West, was first won by Mr Mbabazi in 2001. However, the result was annulled by a court last year, after his opponent, James Musinguzi, complained that his supporters had been harassed. A new by-election was due to take place in a few weeks' time. However, Mr Musinguzi withdrew two days ago, again complaining of intimidation. Mr Mbabazi said these allegations were untrue, and he would be taking legal action against Mr Musinguzi. Long-running saga Last month the Appeal Court upheld the decision that members of the Ugandan army, the Presidential Protection Unit and government officials interfered in the electoral process two years ago through torture, arrest, harassment and intimidation. It also upheld that during the election Mr Musinguzi was unfairly portrayed as an enemy of the state by both Mr Mbabazi and state machinery. Mr Mbabazi has stayed on as defence minister Mr Musinguzi had won in the High court in May but Mr Mbabazi and the electoral commission had taken the case to the Appeal Court. Mr Musinguzi had argued that the election had not been free and fair, with widespread intimidation and use of violence. At the time of the ruling of the Appeal Court in December, Mr Mbabazi rejected Mr Muzinguzi's call for his resignation. The judges had said there was insufficient evidence to prove that Mr Mbabazi had personally bribed or carried arms and ammunition during the election.

See also: 17 Dec 02 | Africa Ugandan minister loses seat 15 Jan 03 | Africa Ugandan cattle clashes leave 30 dead 13 Jan 03 | Africa Ugandan rebel offers peace talks 26 Dec 02 | Africa Uganda signs peace deal with rebels 29 Nov 02 | Country profiles Country profile: Uganda 20 Nov 02 | Country profiles Timeline: Uganda Internet links: BBC Focus on Africa Uganda Government The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Ivory Coast truce 'broken' Kenya gets anti-graft czar Cricket protests planned in Zimbabwe DR Congo rebels dismiss 'cannibalism' Ugandan minister wins seat Problems thwart Africa's big plan 'Systematic rape' in Sierra Leone war Somali boat tragedy 'kills 80' Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.

	E-mail this story to a friend

	Links to more Africa stories

Gratis e-mail resten av livet p�: www.yahoo.se/mail
Busenkelt!