By Benjamin Jumbe.
The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda has expressed concern over the continued exclusion of citizens from key debates in the country.
This follows a recent decision by the deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo to transfer hearing of all age limit constitutional petitions to Mbale town.
On March 19, this year, the Judiciary announced that the five petitions that were consolidated into one will be heard from the far eastern town of Mbale starting April 4 in a marathon style.
The coalition’s national coordinator Crispy Kaheru says this is further proof that the state has completely distanced itself from the citizens who really matter and have a stake in whatever happens in the country.
Kaheru says Citizens should reject such pronouncements, urging members of the public to turn up in Mbale big numbers if the decision is not reversed.
A total of 22 Civil Society Organisations say the decision that was announced by Deputy Chief Justice was in contravention of Article 135(3)(b) which requires a statutory order.
