Musisi shuts down KCCA offices after ruling
By ANTHONY WESAKA
Posted Friday, November 29 2013 at 02:00
Posted Friday, November 29 2013 at 02:00
Kampala- City Executive Director Jennifer Musisi last evening announced that KCCA will be shut down today, following yesterday’s events after the High Court granted ousted Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago a lifeline in office.
Mr Lukwago later announced he will return to office this morning, and is expected to be accompanied by several opposition political leaders.
Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been kicked out of office. In a special council meeting on Monday chaired by the Minister in charge of the Presidency and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Frank Tumwebaze, 29 councilors voted in favour of removing Lukwago. Only three councilors were against.
Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been kicked out of office. In a special council meeting on Monday chaired by the Minister in charge of the Presidency and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Frank Tumwebaze, 29 councilors voted in favour of removing Lukwago. Only three councilors were against.
Erias Lukwago swearing in with a Koran as Kampala's first Lord Mayor at Mayor's gardens Kampala on 19 May 2011
But at a hastily convened press conference at 6.30 pm, Ms Musisi, who heads the technical wing, said:“Already, since the decision of the learned judge earlier today, there have been efforts to mobilise the public to invade City Hall, supposedly to re-instate Erias Lukwago into office. Obviously this poses a serious risk to the staff and property of the authority that I am empowered to protect and safeguard”.
After the impeachment, councilors and supporters jubilated. They denounced Lukwago as arrogant and disrespectful.
JEREMIAH 1: 19: "They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD."
After the impeachment, councilors and supporters jubilated. They denounced Lukwago as arrogant and disrespectful.
JEREMIAH 1: 19: "They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD."
Executive Director Jennifer Musisi during the imeachment of mayor Lukwago
She added: “Unless the safety of our staff and government property under our custody is assured, it’s difficult for our operations as the implementing arm of KCCA to continue blindly in the face of these increasing threats. Consequently, we are shutting down the technical operations of the authority until further notice,” Ms Musisi told a press conference at City hall.
Police officers manhandle City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s lawyer Abdallah Kiwanuka after he came to serve a court order to Kampala Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who was conducting a KCCA council that later impeached the mayor yesterday. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa
Police officers manhandle City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s lawyer Abdallah Kiwanuka after he came to serve a court order to Kampala Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who was conducting a KCCA council that later impeached the mayor yesterday. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa
She said the decision had been taken after threats to road sweepers, and registered cases of assault against the city authorities enforcement officers, and building inspectors – all at after incitement of political protagonists.
Lukwago and the KCCA executive director, Jennifer Musisi shakes hands after the swearing in ceremony of the Lord Mayor
It is not clear when the KCCA operations will resume but the decision by Ms Musisi is bound to create a major problem in the city with lack of services. It is also bound to be interpreted as a veiled snub to Mr Lukwago’s triumphant entry into city hall tomorrow.
The decision means that nobody will be allowed to access City hall, there will be no work carried out by the workers like sweepers, revenue collection and garbage collection.
By Andante Okanya and Juliet Waiswa
The management of Kampala Capital City Authority(KCCA) has decided to halt all its technical operations, citing threats to technical staff.
The decision was announced at a press conference called on Thursday by the KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi at City Hall in Kampala. It takes immediate effect.
PRESS STATEMENT
The High Court has granted Erias Lukwago a temporary injunction against Kampala Capital City authority (KCCA).
Justice Yasin Nanzi said in his ruling On Thursday that he was convinced by Lukwago’s lawyers that their application for judicial review has good chances of succeeding in Court. Lukwago through his lawyers applied for a judicial review of the proceedings and findings of the tribunal that recommended his removal from office.
Giving his reasons for granting the injunction, the judge said that Lukwago has a status quo to protect as Lord Mayor and that his main application for judicial review raises serious triable issues which have a probability to succeed.
A smile at last. PHOTO/Abou Kisige
The second reason is that denial of the application means that Lukwago could suffer irreparable injury because he is a mayor elected through universal adult suffrage. And that since this was not a business; no monetary compensation can be awarded to put him in the same position of mayorship.
“Since there is a main application pending, it is important to grant the stay until the application is disposed of…,” Nyanzi ruled. He also granted Lukwago the costs of the case.
The ruling was greeted with jubilation from Lukwago’s supporters who jammed the Court corridors leading to the Judges chambers where the ruling was delivered.
The Minister for Kampala, Frank Tumwebaze, reacted to the ruling wondering how the injunction would be implemented.
“While I respect the ruling of Justice Nyanzi giving an order to me to stop the convening of a KCCA meeting as well as implementation of the tribunal report until an administrative review application is heard, I am only wondering how practicable this ruling is? How do you implement an order that seeks to stop an activity that has already taken place?
Both his interim order given today and the earlier one purported to have been given on Monday and which was served to the AG in court at 10 O’clock exist after the authority meeting of 25 November 2013, had taken place. So what then do these orders intend to stop? I have accordingly written to the attorney General to seek his guidance on the matter,” Tumwebaze said.
Lukwago was impeached on Monday by a vote of 29 to three Councilors of KCCA. The same day the Court had heard an application for an interim order to stop the impeachment process.
However, while Lukwago’s lawyers are saying they secured the order and served it on the Council during the impeachment session, the Attorney General says that he was never served and that he was the right person to be served.
He also insisted that by the time that order was secured, the meeting and vote to remove Lukwago had already taken place.
The Electoral Commission had been notified that the Lord Mayor’s seat was vacant and asked to commence preparations for a by-election to replace him.
His lawyers had secured an interim order Monday morning to stop Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) councilors from removing him.
But the Attorney General said by the time Lukwago’s team secured the interim order, the authority had already taken the decision.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is concerned about the “growing level of lawlessness” fuelled by the re-emergence of the infamous Kiboko squad and police brutality.
The concern was voiced following violent scenes involving the civilians, police and stick wielding men that followed the impeachment of Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago by councilors on Monday.
The High court on Thursday granted Lukwago an application for an injunction to stop Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) from acting on the tribunal’s recommendations to impeach him, until a judicial review sought by him (Lord Mayor) to quash the proceedings and recommendations of the tribunal takes place.
Addressing a press conference in Kampala on Friday, UHRC chairperson Med Kaggwa tasked the government to explain the re-emergence of the notorious stick wielding men who masquerade of law enforcers in riots during which they usurp the mandate of the police.
“We are concerned about the re-emergence of the stick wielding men who seem to be operating alongside the police. We strongly condemn the involvement of unlawful militia groups in keeping law and order,” Kaggwa said.
The police have repeatedly disowned the Kiboko squad militia although they are usually seen operating alongside them in breaking up riots in the city. Kaggwa also took a swipe at civilians for taking the law in their hands saying “The incidents of lawlessness by some members of the public in Kampala and its suburbs following the impeachment of the Lord Mayor is uncalled for. Citizens should refrain from taking the law in their hands and any grievances should be settled in a lawful manner.”
The UHRC boss, who castigated the police for the indiscriminate use of tear gas, observed that the preventative detention and arrests of opposition leaders violates the inherent right of free movement inscribed in the constitution.
When the news spread around town that the councillors had voted, in disregard of a court injunction, to remove Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago from office, the morning calm was soon broken in downtown Kampala.
KCCA suspends operations
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2013
The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority, Jennifer Musisi Ssemakula reading out the statement before journalists at KCCA Kampala. PHOTO:Ronnie Kijjambu
By Andante Okanya and Juliet Waiswa
The management of Kampala Capital City Authority(KCCA) has decided to halt all its technical operations, citing threats to technical staff.
The decision was announced at a press conference called on Thursday by the KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi at City Hall in Kampala. It takes immediate effect.
Caricatures of the KCCA fracas by Ugandans |
PRESS STATEMENT
PRESS RELEASE
28TH NOVEMBER 2013
SHUT DOWN OF OPERATIONS BY KCCA
Management of KCCA has been compelled to enforce a shutdown of all technical operations of the Authority.
This decision comes against the backdrop of several months of protracted politicking that have severely hampered our ability to deliver services to the people of Kampala. Since March 2013, we have been caught as pawns in the tensions of the political push and shove of the City; we have been embroiled in separate, lengthy and tiresome processes before various organs and therefore have hardly had time to do our work of delivering services to the City.
The above, coupled with the ensuing political controversies and violent reactions by the public on matters relating to the office of the Lord Mayor have created a hostile working environment that has put the lives of our workers in danger.
To-date, KCCA sweepers on the road are molested in the course of their work; our revenue collection teams, enforcement officers, cleaners and Building Inspectors have been assaulted many times at the incitement of political protagonists. Our garbage trucks have been damaged, and with the growing levels of threats our staff have become apprehensive over their safety in the course of their work. The incidents in which our officers have been repeatedly attacked in the course of work are well-documented. Already, since the decision of the learned Judge earlier today, there have been efforts to mobilize
the public to invade City Hall supposedly to “reinstall” Elias Lukwago into office! Obviously, this poses a serious risk to the staff and properties of the Authority that I am empowered to protect and safeguard.
Unless the safety of our staff and Government property under our custody is assured, it is difficult for our operations, as the implementing arm of KCCA, to continue blindly in the face of these increasing threats. Consequently, we are shutting down the technical operations of the Authority until further notice. For God and Our country
Ugandans caricature the Kampala city fracas |
High Court grants Lukwago relief
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2013
Erias Lukwago jubilates after court ruling. PHOTO/Abou Kisige
By Anne Mugisa and Hillary Nsambu The High Court has granted Erias Lukwago a temporary injunction against Kampala Capital City authority (KCCA).
Justice Yasin Nanzi said in his ruling On Thursday that he was convinced by Lukwago’s lawyers that their application for judicial review has good chances of succeeding in Court. Lukwago through his lawyers applied for a judicial review of the proceedings and findings of the tribunal that recommended his removal from office.
Giving his reasons for granting the injunction, the judge said that Lukwago has a status quo to protect as Lord Mayor and that his main application for judicial review raises serious triable issues which have a probability to succeed.
A smile at last. PHOTO/Abou Kisige
The second reason is that denial of the application means that Lukwago could suffer irreparable injury because he is a mayor elected through universal adult suffrage. And that since this was not a business; no monetary compensation can be awarded to put him in the same position of mayorship.
“Since there is a main application pending, it is important to grant the stay until the application is disposed of…,” Nyanzi ruled. He also granted Lukwago the costs of the case.
The ruling was greeted with jubilation from Lukwago’s supporters who jammed the Court corridors leading to the Judges chambers where the ruling was delivered.
The Minister for Kampala, Frank Tumwebaze, reacted to the ruling wondering how the injunction would be implemented.
“While I respect the ruling of Justice Nyanzi giving an order to me to stop the convening of a KCCA meeting as well as implementation of the tribunal report until an administrative review application is heard, I am only wondering how practicable this ruling is? How do you implement an order that seeks to stop an activity that has already taken place?
Both his interim order given today and the earlier one purported to have been given on Monday and which was served to the AG in court at 10 O’clock exist after the authority meeting of 25 November 2013, had taken place. So what then do these orders intend to stop? I have accordingly written to the attorney General to seek his guidance on the matter,” Tumwebaze said.
Lukwago was impeached on Monday by a vote of 29 to three Councilors of KCCA. The same day the Court had heard an application for an interim order to stop the impeachment process.
However, while Lukwago’s lawyers are saying they secured the order and served it on the Council during the impeachment session, the Attorney General says that he was never served and that he was the right person to be served.
He also insisted that by the time that order was secured, the meeting and vote to remove Lukwago had already taken place.
The Electoral Commission had been notified that the Lord Mayor’s seat was vacant and asked to commence preparations for a by-election to replace him.
His lawyers had secured an interim order Monday morning to stop Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) councilors from removing him.
But the Attorney General said by the time Lukwago’s team secured the interim order, the authority had already taken the decision.
Kiboko squad: Rights body tasks Gov’t to act
Publish Date: Nov 29, 2013
UHRC boss Medi Kaggwa
By Pascal Kwesiga The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is concerned about the “growing level of lawlessness” fuelled by the re-emergence of the infamous Kiboko squad and police brutality.
The concern was voiced following violent scenes involving the civilians, police and stick wielding men that followed the impeachment of Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago by councilors on Monday.
The High court on Thursday granted Lukwago an application for an injunction to stop Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) from acting on the tribunal’s recommendations to impeach him, until a judicial review sought by him (Lord Mayor) to quash the proceedings and recommendations of the tribunal takes place.
Addressing a press conference in Kampala on Friday, UHRC chairperson Med Kaggwa tasked the government to explain the re-emergence of the notorious stick wielding men who masquerade of law enforcers in riots during which they usurp the mandate of the police.
“We are concerned about the re-emergence of the stick wielding men who seem to be operating alongside the police. We strongly condemn the involvement of unlawful militia groups in keeping law and order,” Kaggwa said.
Kiboko Squad hitmen ready with their sticks during one of the demonstrations in the city
The police have repeatedly disowned the Kiboko squad militia although they are usually seen operating alongside them in breaking up riots in the city. Kaggwa also took a swipe at civilians for taking the law in their hands saying “The incidents of lawlessness by some members of the public in Kampala and its suburbs following the impeachment of the Lord Mayor is uncalled for. Citizens should refrain from taking the law in their hands and any grievances should be settled in a lawful manner.”
Members of the Kiboko Squad punish one of their victims. - See more at: http://www.independent.co.ug/cover-story/1769-kiboko-squad-revealed#sthash.2Gg7pvhJ.dpuf
Members of the Kiboko Squad punish one of their victims. - See more at: http://www.independent.co.ug/cover-story/1769-kiboko-squad-revealed#sthash.2Gg7pvhJ.dpuf
Members of the Kiboko Squad punish one of their victims
The UHRC boss, who castigated the police for the indiscriminate use of tear gas, observed that the preventative detention and arrests of opposition leaders violates the inherent right of free movement inscribed in the constitution.
Kiboko squad resurfaces in city chaos
By Dear Jeanne & Abubaker Lubowa
Posted Tuesday, November 26 2013 at 02:00Kampala- Protests broke out in and around the city yesterday, following the manner in which the ruling NRM party, aided by the police, was removing the Lord Mayor from office.
Posted Tuesday, November 26 2013 at 02:00Kampala- Protests broke out in and around the city yesterday, following the manner in which the ruling NRM party, aided by the police, was removing the Lord Mayor from office.
The authorities had anticipated a backlash to their actions. And so, the police working alongside unidentified club-wielding individuals dressed in civilian clothes deployed heavily in and around town.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi last evening said: “Appropriate deployment was made due to intelligence information that there was mobilisation of political activists who have mobilised youth to cause confusion in the city.”
Mr Ssenkumbi, however, did not say exactly which activists were involved in the purported plan to unsettle the city.
Victim of Kiboko Squad
Victim of Kiboko Squad
When the news spread around town that the councillors had voted, in disregard of a court injunction, to remove Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago from office, the morning calm was soon broken in downtown Kampala.
Traders closed their shops in the hotbed Kisekka Market area. Stones flew from all directions but it was not clear who was hurling the missiles.
Police under the command of operational commander, Kampala Metropolitan North, Mr Sam Omala, responded in force, lobbing teargas canisters and dispersing the gathering crowds.
A few kilometres away in Nakulabye and Kasubi city outskirts, spontaneous protests which saw an attempt to block the Makerere Road attracted a quick reaction from the police.
Separate units of police deployed with teargas as others rushed the protestors, indiscriminately whipping anyone not quick enough to get out of the way.
At around mid-day, chaos erupted again but this time with more vigour than before as the crowds resorted to burning tyres.
At around mid-day, chaos erupted again but this time with more vigour than before as the crowds resorted to burning tyres.
In Kisekka Market, it was only the heavy downpour that finally brought the protests to an end.
The return of club and stick-wielding musclemen, reminiscent of the State-associated ‘Kiboko Squad’ militia left the authorities struggling to explain themselves. According to Ms Judith Nabakooba, the police spokesperson, the individuals were not Kiboko Squad members but rather civilians.
“I am informed that those people with sticks were civilians who organised themselves to prevent chaos in their markets but they were not Kiboko Squad members. We, however, condemn their actions of using sticks to cane people,” Ms Nabakooba said.
Ms Nabakooba did not say how and why these individuals were working hand-in-glove with the police.
In 2011, a police inquiry headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Okoth Ochola was set up to investigate the activities of the Kiboko Squad. In its report, it indicated that the ‘squad’ was established by a group of businessmen in Kampala, with intent of securing their businesses in times of riots.
The team concluded that the ‘squad’ is illegal and must be disbanded. It also recommended the arrest and prosecution of its members who had assaulted opposition supporters
In February 2011, Juma Ssemakula the self-proclaimed leader of the group was arrested but released by police without any charge.
The group was once again spotted in 2012 during the Bukoto South by-election in Lwengo when it re-emerged and caused chaos.
By Steven Candia and Juliet Waiswa |
The police have sealed off the residences of the embattled city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and former FDC president Dr. Kiiza Besigye to forestall chaos in the city in what they termed as preventive deployment.
Police said they had no option but to deploy at the residences of the two opposition politicians in Rubaga division in Kampala and Kasangati in Wakiso district following their alleged insistence to march to city with crowds to access City Hall following a court interim injunction that granted the ousted mayor relief.
The police said the insistence by the opposition politicians coupled with an earlier announcement by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) director, Jennifer Musisi, that City Hall will be closed today (Friday) was a recipe for chaos and mayhem in the city, which they can not allow to happen.
“The deployments are preventive. To prevent un-necessary chaos from occurring in the city,” Ibin Ssenkumbi the Kampala police spokesperson said in a telephone interview.
Police, he said, had deployed because of the latent tensions in the city, sparked by the antagonism by the factions. The Lukwago group, he said, had vowed to access City Hall by all means and had reportedly mobilized huge crowds to make a gallant entry in the city and City Hall in particular, in stark contradiction of Musisi announcement. Attempts to dissuade the opposition politicians from the plans, he said, were in vain thus the deployment.
“We see an aspect of confusion which may lead to the destruction and injury of people. We advised them (opposition) to review their plans and reach an amicable understanding but they insisted so we decided to deploy. Attempts to get comment from Lukwago were futile as his phone was permanently busy.
Sources said police deployed under the cover of darkness and the two politicians woke up to find their movements had been curtailed.
Justice Yasin Nyanzi of the High Court on Thursday granted Lukwago a temporary injunction against Kampala Capital City authority (KCCA). In his ruling, Nyanzi said an interim court injunction issued on Monday by acting registrar of the court, Fred Waninda, still stands.
Nyanzi said the interim injunction would be in place until Lukwago’s main application seeking a judicial review of the KCCA tribunal report is determined.
The tribunal headed by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire had among others, found Lukwago guilty of abuse of office, incompetence and misconduct. The tribunal was constituted by Kampala Minister Frank Tumwebaze, following a petition by 17 councilors.
City Hall remained closed on Friday and inaccessible to the public and the staff following heavy police deployment there. Police deployed heavily both within and outside the Hall, denying any one access even the staff, leaving many members of public desperate and stranded.
Even those trying to access the KCCA clinic for the yellow fever vaccine were denied entry as the KCCA court also remained closed, causing a paralysis. The paralysis in City Hall began to manifest in the city with many roads dirty and littered, having not been swept as garbage skips began to pile up, polluting the atmosphere.
Musisi on Thursday evening after events at the High Court announced that KCCA will be shut down on Friday till further notice, citing threats to technical staff.
In February 2011, Juma Ssemakula the self-proclaimed leader of the group was arrested but released by police without any charge.
The group was once again spotted in 2012 during the Bukoto South by-election in Lwengo when it re-emerged and caused chaos.
Plainclothes Paramilitary Beat Kampala Protesters
Police deploy at Lukwago, Besigye homes
New Vision, Publish Date: Nov 29, 2013
New Vision, Publish Date: Nov 29, 2013
Embattled Mayor Erias Lukwago
By Steven Candia and Juliet Waiswa |
The police have sealed off the residences of the embattled city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and former FDC president Dr. Kiiza Besigye to forestall chaos in the city in what they termed as preventive deployment.
Police said they had no option but to deploy at the residences of the two opposition politicians in Rubaga division in Kampala and Kasangati in Wakiso district following their alleged insistence to march to city with crowds to access City Hall following a court interim injunction that granted the ousted mayor relief.
The police said the insistence by the opposition politicians coupled with an earlier announcement by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) director, Jennifer Musisi, that City Hall will be closed today (Friday) was a recipe for chaos and mayhem in the city, which they can not allow to happen.
“The deployments are preventive. To prevent un-necessary chaos from occurring in the city,” Ibin Ssenkumbi the Kampala police spokesperson said in a telephone interview.
Police, he said, had deployed because of the latent tensions in the city, sparked by the antagonism by the factions. The Lukwago group, he said, had vowed to access City Hall by all means and had reportedly mobilized huge crowds to make a gallant entry in the city and City Hall in particular, in stark contradiction of Musisi announcement. Attempts to dissuade the opposition politicians from the plans, he said, were in vain thus the deployment.
“We see an aspect of confusion which may lead to the destruction and injury of people. We advised them (opposition) to review their plans and reach an amicable understanding but they insisted so we decided to deploy. Attempts to get comment from Lukwago were futile as his phone was permanently busy.
Sources said police deployed under the cover of darkness and the two politicians woke up to find their movements had been curtailed.
Justice Yasin Nyanzi of the High Court on Thursday granted Lukwago a temporary injunction against Kampala Capital City authority (KCCA). In his ruling, Nyanzi said an interim court injunction issued on Monday by acting registrar of the court, Fred Waninda, still stands.
Nyanzi said the interim injunction would be in place until Lukwago’s main application seeking a judicial review of the KCCA tribunal report is determined.
The tribunal headed by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire had among others, found Lukwago guilty of abuse of office, incompetence and misconduct. The tribunal was constituted by Kampala Minister Frank Tumwebaze, following a petition by 17 councilors.
City Hall remained closed on Friday and inaccessible to the public and the staff following heavy police deployment there. Police deployed heavily both within and outside the Hall, denying any one access even the staff, leaving many members of public desperate and stranded.
Even those trying to access the KCCA clinic for the yellow fever vaccine were denied entry as the KCCA court also remained closed, causing a paralysis. The paralysis in City Hall began to manifest in the city with many roads dirty and littered, having not been swept as garbage skips began to pile up, polluting the atmosphere.
Musisi on Thursday evening after events at the High Court announced that KCCA will be shut down on Friday till further notice, citing threats to technical staff.