The by-election that was characterized by scenes of violence and irregularities in the polling saw Ariko win with 9,407 votes against Attan’s 8,771 votes.
Bishop Tukei was found found guilty of theft of Church property including land title. He had first been acquitted by the Grade One Magistrate, Emmanuel Pirimba but the church appealed the decision. The High Court overturned the ruling after agreeing with all the grounds proving theft raised by the church.
The residents sought a permanent injunction until the main application determining the land ownership and others are disposed of. The evictees claim the land belongs to them and argue that UWA’s conduct was illegal.
Last week, the court issued interim orders following an application filed by the ICU Founder members and elders. They are William Alloch Akoll, Joseph Okadapao, Martin Alfred Aruo, Stephen Enokokin, Joyce Asekenye, Polly Apio, and Lydia Agoda.
Anthony Bernard Okanyum of Okanyum Musana & Co. Advocates, says that there were a number of irregularities during the installation of the caretaker Emorimor.
The affidavits were rejected by Achayo’s lawyers on grounds that the witnesses presented varying signatures and that they lacked certificate of translation. The lawyers also argued that while the witnesses claimed to be illiterate, some were able to read and write and also comprehend English, which is the official language of court.
Justice Anne Mugenyi Bitature says that there was gross noncompliance with the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Electoral Commission Act, the Local Government Act and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which substantially affected the poll results.
Ariko, the former candidate for Abim District Chairperson seat lost to Omara in the February elections. Ariko got 4,809 votes while Omara garnered 14,417 votes.
Jude Byamukama of Jude Bwamukama & Co. Advocates who is the lead lawyer of the Koluo said that out of the 60 affidavits filed by the petitioner, 56 didn’t have the names and addresses of the witnesses.
The petitions are from Dodoth East Constituency in Kaabong District, Toroma County in Katakwi district, Soroti East and Soroti West Divisions in Soroti City, Ngora County in Ngora district and Matheniko County in Moroto district. The others are Labwor County in Abim district and the local government elections in Bukedea.
Ariko, who lost to FDC’s Moses Attan Okia in the Soroti City East Division seat is aggrieved by the ruling of Soroti High Court Judge, Justice Wilson Musene Musalu that reverted Aloet and Opiyai wards to Soroti City West Division.
Reports in Court indicate that the land in question has been earmarked for a government project, whose specifics are however still concealed. But the petitioners say that the land was taken away by Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among for the construction of a State Lodge and the installation of a military barracks.
The university council had interdicted Achimo to pave way for investigations by the IGG against her over corruption, abuse of office and embezzlement. But she petitioned the court to stop the interdiction saying the action was malicious and intended to tarnish her reputation.
Isodo disclosed that Lubega is his former school mate and they have personal issues. At this point, Justice Vincent Billy Kainamura interjected to calm down and drop their personal grudges.
Through her lawyers, M/S Tugwako Co. Advocates Alaso wants court to quash Adoas victory. The petition is backed by the affidavits of Calvin Ewalu of Agora village in Bugondo sub-county and Martin Okoboi from Kateta sub-county in Serere district.
Justice Henrietta Walayo, the Soroti Resident judge issued the injunction on Wednesday morning in a response to a petition filed by hundreds of families from Alungamusmus affected by the boundary opening.
In the case, a group of more than one million petitioners is protesting government’s failure to compensate them for losses as a result of cattle rustling and the Lords’ Resistance Army (LRA) war.
Justice Elizabeth Ibanda Nahamya also defended the right of the lead petitioners to sue saying government saying it is legitimate for one to sue on behalf of others as long as they share the same interests.
