"Augustine Ruzindana and Pafo chairperson said the president's reaction was a clear
manifestation that he had rejected the rule of law." owangee who said Gunmen respect
the rule of law? Muce3beni is simple being exposed for the true gunmen who he is
period. oh boy I am beginning to enjoy this!!!
Matek
MPs React to Museveni Remarks
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The Monitor (Kampala)
June 29, 2004
Posted to the web June 29, 2004
Richard Mutumba and Mercy Nalugo
Kampala
President Yoweri Museveni's remarks on the Constitutional Court ruling over the 2000
referendum yesterday attracted strong mixed reactions from MPs and ministers. While a
cross-section of legislators criticised Museveni for over reacting and not respecting
the rule of law, others attacked the judges for not being patriotic.
The MPs told The Monitor Museveni used the wrong forum to address his problems.
Museveni in a Radio and TV address to the nation rejected the Constitutional Court
ruling saying the government would not accept the contents of the ruling.
Augustine Ruzindana and Pafo chairperson said the president's reaction was a clear
manifestation that he had rejected the rule of law.
"His rejection of the court ruling does not show his respect for the rule of law. His
statement is a rejection of the independence of the Judiciary. What is left for him is
to declare what articles of the Constitution he wants suspended," Ruzindana said.
The MP for Aruu County Mr Odonga Otto said by rejecting the Constitutional Court
ruling the president behaved like a peasant.
"President Museveni should stop behaving like a peasant. Once you protest a court
judgement you go to (a higher) court. He is trying to show us that there is no
difference between him and Amin," Otto said adding that Amin rejected several court
rulings.
"He is showing us he is a second hand dictator. Any further action, we shall implore
other means including contacting Police to punish those violating court decrees," Otto
said. Patrick Oboi (Amuriat) said President Museveni must respect the rule of law.
"If the Judiciary has to be independent we must respect the outcomes of the ruling.
The ruling implies the entire government and Parliament cease to exist. Where are we
then? We are in a state of anarchy," Oboi said. He advised that government discusses
the way forward than attacking the Judiciary.
Like Oboi, Telego MP Mr Kassiano Wadri said the President should respect all the three
arms of government if he is to believe in rule of law. "I was taken aback like any
Ugandan who believes in the rule of law when I heard Museveni castigating a ruling by
the Constitutional Court judges," Kassiano said.
He warned that many more court actions are coming up against government. Latigo Ogenga
(Agago County) said he was not surprised by the remarks because Museveni has
persistently attacked the judges. He said following the ruling, there is no way a
Constitution can be reversed. This (reversing the Constitution) he said would be
committing treason of which the members have a right to fight him.
"I Hope his colleagues who have been pushing him for a third term will learn from this
and begin asking themselves where the country is going," Latigo said.
The Bufumbira South MP and State Minister for Information, Dr James Nsaba Buturo said
the judges were unfair for not proposing an alternative to their decision.
Rushenyi County MP and State Minister for Finance Mwesigwa Rukutana said the court
would have been kind enough and apply the principle of 'validate if possible' instead
of attempting to put the country at a standstill.
Kyaddondo South MP Mr Issa Kikungwe said he was waiting for the President to declare
he doesn't believe in rule of law.
"Let him overthrow his own government by fighting the rule of law," Kikungwe said.
Wesonga Kamana (Bubulo West) said the president would have appealed against the ruling
in the higher court of law. "But we should also pray for this country," Kamana said.
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Lubaga South MP John Ken Lukyamuzi said it was unfortunate for the President who is
the fountain of honour to openly criticise the institution he is supposed to respect.
Kassanda South MP and Legal Committee vice chairperson Mr Nyombi Tembo said the
President's remarks were not a rejection of the court ruling but a mere observation of
an important matter. "I don't think the president rejected the court ruling. He just
made an observation. He was just complaining on the judgement. When one tries to cause
a crisis and you are the one in power you must show that you are in control".
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