In a recent ruling, the Constitution Court has cleared Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), of contempt of court charges. The court’s decision prevented him from being sent to civil remand or fined for alleged violations.
Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament (MP) Eddie Kwizera had accused Byabakama of misconduct for conducting elections in several municipalities, including Apac, Sheema, Ibanda, Nebbi, Bugiri, and Kotido. These elections were held despite a prior court ruling declaring the creation of these municipalities null and void. Additionally, Kwizera sought to halt the creation of any constituencies after the year 2001.
However, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, along with Justices Catherine Bamugemereire, Muzamiru Kibeedi, Irene Mulyagonja, and Oscar John Kihika, dismissed Kwizera’s application. They concluded that the application had been filed prematurely and that there was no contempt committed at the time of its filing.
Here is a table summarizing the key points:
| Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Contempt Charges | Cleared |
| Accuser | MP Eddie Kwizera |
| Allegations | Holding elections in null municipalities |
| Creation of constituencies after 2001 | |
| Court Ruling | Application dismissed as premature |
