Disagreements on compensation have stalled the negotiations between Kabale district and the central division councilor, Leopold Twesigye to settle his suit challenging the election of the district representative to Kabale University council.
Twesigye ran to Kabale High court in August 2022 challenging the election of his Northern Division counterpart Verah Tuyizere Tumuheki as the successor of the former Kabale District LC V Chairperson, Patrick Besigye Keihwa on the university council. Tumuheki garnered 18 votes defeating his rival March Boaz, the Ryakarimira town council LC V councilor who got 16 votes.
However, Twesigye contested the poll results. Through his lawyers of Mujurizi, Arinaitwe, and Byamukama Advocates, Twesigye argued that Kabale District speaker, Flavia Nyinakiza Kanagizi who presided over the proceedings also cast her vote in the election in violation of the Local Government Act.
He explained that after the voting exercise, Nyinakiza went ahead and submitted Tumuheki’s name to Kabale University Council usurping the role of the Chief Administrative Officer. High Court scheduled October 20, 2022, for hearing the application.
Kabale Chief Administrative Officer, Fred Kalyesubula wrote to Attorney General, Kiwanuka Kiryowa seeking an opinion on how to proceed. In his advice, Kiwanuka concurred with the issues raised by Twesigye and directed the district to hold to conduct fresh elections and convince Twesigye to settle the matter out of court.
Kalyesubula told URN on Monday that they held two weeks two meetings with Twesigye to reach an out-of-court settlement in vain. According to Kalyesubula, Twesigye insists that he wants Shillings 100 million in compensation for the expenses he has incurred on the suit. Kalyesubula says that that he has already written to the Solicitor General’s office to prepare and file a defense on behalf of the district since the days for hearing the matter are drawing closer.
Kalyesubula, however, says that in case Twesigye wins the case, the district will not pay the costs since the then Chief Administrative Officer, Edmond Ntimba openly gave technical advice that the speaker shouldn’t vote but he was overpowered by the councilors.
Twesigye insists that his costs must be paid so that it becomes an eye-opener to the public to stick to guidelines. Our reporter understands that on Thursday this week fresh elections are to be held. URN
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