Abdu Katuntu Election Defense Defense Affidavits Dismissed By Court

Abdu Katuntu’s Election Defense Affidavits Dismissed By Court

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda politics August 18, 2021

Lady Justice Susan Abinyo has dismissed 10 affidavits filed by Abdul Katuntu defending his election as Bugweri County MP. Court gave its reason for the dismissal as filing the affidavits outside the stipulated time.

When Katuntu’s rival, Julius Galisonga, the FDC candidate’s petition filed came up for hearing on Tuesday, Abinyo delivered the ruling.

Galisonga had dragged Katuntu and the Electoral Commission to court for allegedly orchestrating electoral irregularities. He says the irregularities largely affected the outcome of the Bugweri county parliamentary results.

At the hearing, Galisonga’s lawyer, John Isabirye explained that they filed the petition on March 24, 2021.

The first respondent filed their response on June 6, 2021. He observed that filing additional affidavits three months later was inappropriate.

Abinyo, therefore, adjourned the court to August 26, 2021. Although, she ruled that election petitions are matters of public interest, which warrant adherence to all procedures, to promote fairness and justice for involved parties.

Isabirye argued that once the court allows the first respondent to file fresh evidence, he would not stop bringing more affidavits before the court.

Katuntu’s lawyer, Alfred Oryem expressed reservations about the court ruling. However, he stressed that their defense team is on course to outrightly win the petition.

Meanwhile, Justice Issa Sserunkuma has cleared Jinja south division East legislator Nathan Nabeta. He can now file additional affidavits to support his reply to the petition.

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