Singh Katongole Election Case Adjourned

Justice Kibuka Musoke today adjourned hearing of the election petition against Singh Katongole, Lubaga North MP after his lawyer told court that his client was unable to attend court because of abdominal pain.

 

 

Katongole was dragged to court by Moses Kasibante, the loser of the Lubaga North Parliamentary election. In his petition, Kasibante accused Katongole of conniving with Electoral Commission to rob him of victory in the February MP elections.

 

 

This morning, justice Musoke was scheduled to begin hearing the case but James Akampumuuza, the lawyer for Katongole told court his client was experiencing abdominal discomfort and was not in court yet his presence in crucial.

 

 

 

He presented a medical form in court to show that Katongole was not well. Akampumuuza requested court to give them two days to allow his client recuperate before he can attend court for the hearing.

 

 

 

Medard Segona, the lawyer for Kasibante objected to the application saying that the medical form shows that Katongole can undertake lighter work and didn’t recommend bed rest. He blasted both Katongole and Electoral Commission for the derailing case by resorting to tricks.

 

 

Ssegona also accused EC of failing to provide the petitioners with tally sheets and Declaration forms to proceed with the case. In his ruling justice Musoke grudgingly accepted to adjourn the court but warned both parties to restrain from making further excuses.

 

 

He warned not to take any further excuses of sickness pointing out that election petitions have a limited time of 3 months. Musoke also said that he needs to complete the petition within three months because his court in Masaka is without a judge. He also asked counsels of both parties to reserve appeals of any matter until the election petitions are disposed off first.

In the petition, Kasibante accuses EC and Katongole of conniving to rob him of his victory through an illegal vote recount exercise.