The Constitutional Court in Kampala has dismissed the case filed by Kitgum woman MP, Beatrice Anywar and four civil society organizations who were jointly seeking an indictment against government for the payment of 20 million shillings MPs early this year during election campaigns.

The Judiciary publicist, Elias Kisawuzi read the ruling, made by five judges led by the Deputy Chief Justice, Mpagi Bahigeine.

According to the ruling the petitioners had failed to adduce satisfactory evidence that the money was expended without approval.

The judges said they acted on credible evidence adduced before them and did not indulge in speculation or attractive reasoning.

The petitioners who include Hon. Beatrice Anywar, Action Aid Uganda, Forum for Women in Democracy Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), and Centre for Public Interest Law had sought declarations that the 20 million payments to each MP was unconstitutional, unlawful and had applied for orders that the 6.2 billion shillings be refunded by the recipients.

The petitioners contend that the money was a bribe by government to MPs to compel them to pass the abrupt supplementary budget during the campaign period.

The petitioners were represented by their lawyer Francis Gimara who later told journalists that they will have to first study and understand the judgment in detail before taking the next move.

Ultimate Media