[1997] UGCC 1

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;} {\f34\fswiss\fcharset128\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial Unicode MS;}{\f38\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02050604050505020204}Bookman Old Style;}{\f150\fswiss\fcharset128\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}@Arial Unicode MS;} {\f290\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f291\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f293\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f294\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;} {\f295\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f296\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f297\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f298\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);} {\f300\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f301\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f303\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}{\f304\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f305\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);} {\f306\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f307\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f308\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese);}{\f632\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS Western;}{\f630\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS CE;} {\f631\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS Cyr;}{\f633\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS Greek;}{\f634\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS Tur;}{\f635\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS (Hebrew);} {\f636\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS (Arabic);}{\f637\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS Baltic;}{\f638\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS (Vietnamese);}{\f639\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Arial Unicode MS (Thai);} {\f670\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Bookman Old Style CE;}{\f671\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Bookman Old Style Cyr;}{\f673\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Bookman Old Style Greek;}{\f674\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Bookman Old Style Tur;} {\f677\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Bookman Old Style Baltic;}{\f1792\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS Western;}{\f1790\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS CE;}{\f1791\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS Cyr;} {\f1793\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS Greek;}{\f1794\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS Tur;}{\f1795\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS (Hebrew);}{\f1796\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS (Arabic);} {\f1797\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS Baltic;}{\f1798\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS (Vietnamese);}{\f1799\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 @Arial Unicode MS (Thai);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255; \red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0; \red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style1;}{\s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-478\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style2;}{ \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style3;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style4;}{\s19\qc \li0\ri0\sl-322\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 Style5;}{\s20\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext20 Style6;}{\s21\qj \fi509\li0\ri0\sl-509\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext21 Style7;}{ \s22\ql \fi518\li0\ri0\sl-336\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext22 Style8;}{\s23\qj \fi-725\li0\ri0\sl-510\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext23 Style9;}{\s24\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext24 Style10;}{ \s25\ql \fi288\li0\ri0\sl-331\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext25 Style11;}{\s26\qj \li0\ri0\sl-507\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext26 Style12;}{\s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl-510\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext27 Style13;}{ \s28\qj \fi-96\li0\ri0\sl-514\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext28 Style14;}{\s29\qj \fi274\li0\ri0\sl-506\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext29 Style15;}{\s30\ql \li0\ri0\sl-507\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext30 Style16;}{ \s31\qc \li0\ri0\sl-499\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext31 Style17;}{\s32\qj \li0\ri0\sl-509\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext32 Style18;}{\s33\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sl-501\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext33 Style19;}{ \s34\qj \fi701\li0\ri0\sl-500\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext34 Style20;}{\s35\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext35 Style21;}{\s36\qj \fi-629\li0\ri0\sl-504\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext36 Style22;}{ \s37\ql \fi-730\li0\ri0\sl-505\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext37 Style23;}{\s38\qj \li0\ri0\sl-509\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext38 Style24;}{\s39\qj \fi624\li0\ri0\sl-326\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext39 Style25;}{ \s40\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext40 Style26;}{\*\cs41 \additive \f0\fs22\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style28;}{\*\cs42 \additive \f0\fs30\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style29;} {\*\cs43 \additive \b\f0\fs30\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style30;}{\*\cs44 \additive \b\i\f0\fs30\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style31;}{\*\cs45 \additive \f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style32;}{\*\cs46 \additive \b\f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style33;}{\*\cs47 \additive \b\i\f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style34;}{\*\cs48 \additive \b\f38\fs24\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style35;}{\*\cs49 \additive \f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style36;}{\*\cs50 \additive \i\f0\fs32\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style37;}{\*\cs51 \additive \b\i\f1\fs24\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style38;}{\*\cs52 \additive \b\f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style39;}{\*\cs53 \additive \f0\fs24\expnd0\expndtw0\cf1\up0\charscalex100 \sbasedon10 \styrsid1071365 Font Style40;}{\*\cs54 \additive \f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style41;}{\*\cs55 \additive \f0\fs22\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style42;}{\*\cs56 \additive \f1\fs24\expnd-2\expndtw-10\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style43;}{\*\cs57 \additive \f1\fs28\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style44;}{\*\cs58 \additive \f0\fs26\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style45;}{\*\cs59 \additive \b\f0\fs26\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style46;}{\*\cs60 \additive \f0\fs28\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style47;}{\*\cs61 \additive \fs22\cf1\loch\f34\dbch\af34 \sbasedon10 Font Style48;}{\* \cs62 \additive \b\f0\fs26\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1 \sbasedon10 Font Style49;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid28761178\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat2 \levelold\levelspace0\levelindent571{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\f0\fbias0 }{\listname ;}\listid1449085256}{\list\listtemplateid881994948\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelold \levelspace0\levelindent619{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\f0\fbias0 }{\listname ;}\listid1516307829}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1516307829\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid1449085256\listoverridecount0\ls2}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid1071365\rsid3821283}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author SAFLII}{\operator SAFLII}{\creatim\yr2008\mo8\dy4\hr14\min29}{\revtim\yr2008\mo8\dy4\hr14\min34}{\version2}{\edmins5}{\nofpages16}{\nofwords4928}{\nofchars28092} {\nofcharsws32955}{\vern24689}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1560\margr1419\margt720\margb720 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0 \dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot1071365 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1071365\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}} {\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s31\qc \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }{\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF UGANDA \par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 AT KAMPALA \par }\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (CORAM: S. T. MANYINDO - DCJ, CM. KATO - JA, A.}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 MPAGI-BAHIGEINE. - JA, J. P. BERKO - JA, S. G. ENGWAU}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 - JA) \par }\pard\plain \s19\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \par }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 CONSTITUTIONAL PETITION NO. 11 OF 1997 \par }\pard \s19\qc \li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \par }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 BETWEEN \par }\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 DR. JAMES}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 RWANYARAR}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 E & ANOTHER ::: ::: PETITIONER \par }\pard\plain \s19\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 VERSUS \par }\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx4824\tx6998\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 ATTORNEY GENERAL}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 ::::: :::::\tab RESPONDENT \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s18\qj \li0\ri0\sb187\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 RULING OF THE COURT \par }\pard\plain \s34\qj \fi701\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s34\qj \fi701\li0\ri0\sb53\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 This Constitutional Petition is brought by the first petitioner, James}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 } {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Rwanyarare (petitioning on his own behalf and for and on behalf of a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 group The Uganda Peoples Congress), and the second petitioner,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Oweyegha Afunaduula, against the Attorney General. It is brought under}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 [Articles 50 and 137 (1), (2), (3), (4) and (7) of the Constitution and under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the provisions of the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Enforcement}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Procedures) Rules - S. I. No. 26 of 1992; and the Constitutional Court}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (Petitions of Declarations under Article 137 of the Constitution)}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Directions, Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996. \par }\pard\plain \s35\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The petition seeks the following declarations:- \par }\pard\plain \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sb72\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (i)\tab that no Political system has been chosen and adopted by the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 people of Uganda in accordance with Articles 1 (4) and 69 of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Constitution;

\par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (ii)\tab that no Movement Political system as provided for in Articles}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 69(2) (a), 70 and 271 (1) was in existence at the time the 1996}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Presidential and Parliamentary elections were held; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (iii)\tab that no Law establishing a Movement Political system as}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 provided for in Articles 69(2) (a), 70, 271 (2) and (4) of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution was enacted prior to the 1996 Presidential and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Parliamentary elections; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (iv)\tab that the 1996 Presidential and Parliamentary elections were}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 null and void and that no President and Parliament was elected}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in accordance with the Constitution; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sb43\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (v)\tab that there is no President and no Parliament with Constitutional}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 authority to enact into Law the Movement Act, 1997 and the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Political Organisations Bill, 1997, and that the Movement Act,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 1997 presently enacted is null and void and in contravention of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Constitution; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-629\li629\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx629\faauto\rin0\lin629\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (vi)\tab that Articles 73, 74, 269 and 271(1) of the Constitution are}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 inconsistent with Articles 1(4), 20, 21, 29 and 38 of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (vii)\tab that Articles 69, 73, 74 and 271(2) (3) and (4) of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution constitute a threat and or infringements to the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 inherent rights and freedoms under Articles 1(4), 20, 21, 29}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and 38 of the Constitution and render them unenforceable; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (viii)\tab That Articles 269 and 271 of the Constitution ostracise the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitioners from participating in the public affairs of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Uganda through their Political Party, namely the Uganda}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Peoples Congress; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (ix)\tab that the provisions of Article 269 are a derogation of Articles}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 1(4), 20, 21, 29, 38, 69 and have the effect of creating a one}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 party state in Uganda contrary to Article 75 of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution. \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sb14\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (x)\tab that the restrictions imposed by Article 269 of the Constitution}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 on Political Organisations and activities by the petitioners are}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 unacceptable and 'demonstrably justifiable' in a democratic}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 society as provided for in Article 43 of the Constitution; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (xi)\tab that Articles 73(1) and 269 of the Constitution are in conflict}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 with Uganda's obligations under International Human Rights}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Conventions and Treaties as envisaged in Articles 52(1) (h),}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 123 and 286 of the Constitution; \par }\pard \s36\qj \fi-710\li710\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx710\faauto\rin0\lin710\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (xii)\tab that any threat and or bar to any official or Member of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Uganda Peoples Congress and or Political Organisation called}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Uganda Peoples Congress from the enjoyment of their}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 rights and freedoms of thought, movement, conscience and the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 right of their party to continued active existence and that the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitioners' membership and involvement in the management,}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 control, direction of their party - the Uganda Peoples}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Congress is unconstitutional; and that those rights should be}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 determined by the petitioners in accordance with their party's}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 } {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution and not through elections or referenda as}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 stipulated in the Constitution of Uganda. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb38\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The petitioners also seek orders (a) of prohibition against the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 respondent, his servants and or agents from any and further violations of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 their inherent and inalienable fundamental rights and freedoms and those}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of their party - the Uganda Peoples Congress, by implementing Articles}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 69(1), 72(2), 73(1), 74(1) and (2), 269 and 271 of the Constitution and (b)}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 redress, including compensation and costs of the petition. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 When the petition came up for trial, Mr. Nasa Tumwesige, the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Director of Civil Litigation, in the respondent's Chambers who represented}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the respondent made six preliminary points of objection. In the first'}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 objection it was submitted that this Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitions brought to it directly under Article 50 of the Constitution. It can}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 entertain matters under that Article only by way of reference to it by}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 another Court under Article 137(5). \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sb38\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The second point of objection was that the petition is incompetent as}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 it is time barred in so far as it relates to Presidential and Parliamentary}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elections which were held in May and June 1996, respectively because}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 under Rule 4(1) of the Modification to the Fundamental Rights and}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Freedoms (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 1992, Directions, 1996 Legal}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Notice No. 4 of 1996, Constitutional Petitions to this Court must be lodged}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in the Registry of the Court within thirty days of the occurrence of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 breach of the Constitution complained of. And so the petition in respect}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections should have been presented}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 to this Court by the end of June and July 1996, respectively. As for the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 alleged inconsistencies within the Constitution, the matter should have been}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 brought within 30 days of the promulgation of Constitution which was on}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 8-10-95. As it is this petition was filed on 4-9-97, more than one year}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 late. In respect of the other matter it was filed 2 years late. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The third objection was that this Court has no power to hear let}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 alone determine complaints pertaining to the validity or otherwise of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elections of the President or Members of Parliament; the competent}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Courts being the Supreme Court and the High Court respectively \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The fourth objection was that this Court has no jurisdiction to declare}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 } {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that a given provision of the Constitution is itself unconstitutional, because}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 under Article 137, from which the jurisdiction of this Court springs, this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court is empowered to apply the Constitution as the yardstick against}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which offending Acts of Parliament or any other law, or anything done}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 under the authority of any law, or act or omission by any person or}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 authority shall be measured to determine whether it is constitutional or not. \par The fifth objection concerned the competence of the Court as}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 empanelled to declare, if it would, that the Presidential and Parliamentary \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elections were null and void and, therefore, that the President and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Parliament are not legally constituted or established, since four of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Justices of the Court were appointed to this Court by the very President}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and with the approval of the very Parliament whose very existence is now}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenged. According to Counsel for the respondent the scenario would}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 be that the four Justices concerned would have been illegally appointed and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 thus would be sitting on the Court illegally. If the petitioners do not}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenge the competence of the Court as constituted then this must mean}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that they concede the fact that the Justices in question were appointed by}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 properly established authorities - the President and Parliament and even the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Judicial Service Commission which selected and recommended the Justices}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 for appointment to the Court in the first place. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sb38\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The sixth and last objection was that the petition was not properly}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 before the Court to the extent that it is brought by a group, namely}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Uganda Peoples Congress. It was submitted that the first petitioner was}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 not entitled to bring the petition on behalf of a group of people who are}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 not known and who have not authorised him to do so. It was pointed out}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 by Counsel that there would be nothing to prevent other Members of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Uganda Peoples Congress from bringing similar petitions in future and that}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 if this petition failed with costs to the respondent which the two known}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitioners were unable to meet then the respondent would not be able to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 recover the costs from the unknown group purportedly represented by the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 first petitioner. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 For the petitioners it was contended that under Article 137(3) (b) this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court has jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the Constitution and in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 particular, chapter 4 thereof which relates to the protection and promotion}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of fundamental and other human rights and freedoms Mr. Okumu Wenge,}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the- leading Counsel for the petitioners took the position that the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court is a Court of judicature under Articles 126, 129 and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 137. He argued that Article 137 is not restrictive. It even envisages}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitions being brought to this Court directly for breach of human rights}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of the individual. He thought that this Court is competent to deal with}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 matters of enforcement of human rights and freedoms under Article 50 of}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Constitution hence the reliance on that Article. According to him this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 jurisdiction is distinct from the interpretative role of this Court and its}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 power to deal with references from other Courts on constitutional issues.}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 And so, he argued, Articles 50 and 137 (3) must be read together, with the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 result that one may bring a petition either for enforcement or interpretation}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of the Constitution. Finally on this ground Mr. Okumu Wenge contended}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that since Parliament has not made laws for the enforcement of the rights}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and freedoms under chapter 4 of the Constitution as required by Article 50}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (4), the petitioners had no alternative but to come to this Court to enforce}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 their rights. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Mr. Peter Walubiri who replied on the second ground of objection}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 submitted that the petition is not time barred for two reasons. First, Legal}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Notice No. 4 of 1996, cited above is invalid as i t modified the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 1992,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (S. I. No. 26 of 1992) which are not Rules of the Constitutional Court but}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the High Court when it was exercising its usual jurisdiction and not in its}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 capacity as a referral Court in Constitutional matters. Consequently, those}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Rules do not apply to this Court and should never have been}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 modified to apply to this Court. While conceding that this petition is}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 grounded, on, among other Laws, Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996. Mr.}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Walubiri strongly contended that the same was invalid as it purports to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 modify 'something that does not exist.' \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Second, and in the alternative, he argued that assuming that Legal}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Notice No. 4 of 1996 is good Law, then it should be read and applied}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 subject to Ar ticles 50 and 137 of the Constitution which do not set a time}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 limit for the filing of Constitutional petitions. He also relied on Article 3}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (4) (a) which empowers and indeed enjoins every Citizen of Uganda at all}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 times to defend the Constitution and Article 3(1) which prohibits anyone}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 from taking control of Government unconstitutionally. In his opinion since}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Presidential and Parliamentary elections of 1996 were not conducted}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in accordance with the Constitution, the present Government is}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 unconstitutional. In such a situation, he argued, there cannot be a time}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 limit to actions in defence of the Constitution. The time limit amounts to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 a fetter to the enjoyment of rights and freedoms under the Constitution. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Finally on this point Mr. Walubiri submitted that the limitation in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Rule 4(1) of Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996 offends Article 28(1) which}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 provides that in the trial of civil rights and obligations or any criminal}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 charge, a person is entitled to a fair and speedy trial by a competent Court}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 or tribunal. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Mr. Lubega Matovu submitted on the third ground of objection. He}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 remarked that the petitioners do not contest the election of the President}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and or Parliament. They are not even aggrieved by the result of those \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elections. The petitioners c ase, according to Counsel is that the elections,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 though valid, were not conducted in accordance with the provisions of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution. They merely want a declaration to that effect. But then he}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 went on to argue that this Court can remove the President and sitting}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Members of Parliament by declaring that their elections were null and void}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 as they were unconstitutionally held. This the Court would do not as a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court probing the validity of the elections but as a matter of interpretation}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of the Constitution. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi701\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi701\li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The learned Counsel found no solace in Article 104 (4) which makes}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the decision of the Supreme Court in its original jurisdiction in matters}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenging Presidential elections final. All the same he argued that a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitioner who fails to unseat the President in the Supreme Court can still}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 come to this Court for a declaration that the Presidential elections were}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 held unconstitutionally. The same argument would apply to the case of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Parliamentary elections where the petitioners would go to the High Court}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and, finally, to the Court of Appeal. According to Counsel, this Court}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 would still have the last word on the matters He ended by claiming}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 although it was not so prayed in the petition, that this Court can declare}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Article 104 (4) to be inconsistent with Chapter 4 of the Constitution and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Articles 3 and 137 of the Constitution. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Mr. Walubiri took on the fourth objection as well. He submitted}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that the matter before the Court is not about elections only. The petition}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 seeks this Court's interpretation of Articles 20, 21, 29, 38,43, 45, 69, 70,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 73, 74, 263, 264, 269,270, 271, 273 and 287 and declaration that some}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of them are inconsistent with the Constitution. Specifically, they would that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 this Court declare that Articles 69, 73, 74, 269 and 271 are inconsistent}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 with Articles 1(4), 20, 21, 29, 38, 43, 45, 75, 52(h), 123 and 286.}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Counsel urged that it is the duty of this court to declare any provision of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Constitution unconstitutional if on the face of it the provision}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 contradicted another provision of the constitution. It is a mere declaration}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of the truth of the matter. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sb43\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 With regard to the fifth ground of objection, Mr. Okumu Wenge}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 submitted that a declaration that legally there is no President and no}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Parliament would not affect the Hon. Justices on the panel who were}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Judges of the High Court at the time they were elevated to the Court of}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Appeal since Article 266 provides that Justices of the Supreme Court and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Judges of the High Court (and all these Justices were in the High Court}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 then) holding office immediately before the coming into force of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution, would continue to hold office as if they were appointed under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 this Constitution. In the alternative he submitted that if the Justices were}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 appointed by non-existent authorities, their appointments would be voidable}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and not void. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 On the sixth objection, Mr. Lubega Matovu submitted that the first}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 respondent had properly brought the petition on behalf of the group known}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 as the Uganda Peoples Congress since under Article 50(2) a group}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 may bring a petition on grounds of violation of their human rights and or}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 freedoms. The group's petition is not a representative action requiring}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 compliance with order 1 rule 8 of the Civil Procedure Rules - requiring}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 leave of court. He also invoked Article 126(2)(e) of the Constitution which}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 enjoins courts to administer substantive justice without undue regard to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 technicalities. Mr. Walubi who wrapped up argument on this last ground}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 argued that it was not necessary to obtain the consent of those to be}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 represented. Any one who is able and willing to represent them can do so}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 even without their knowledge or consent. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 We will begin by considering the point which is commonly made by}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 counsel these days, that in Constitutional cases, rules of procedure are not}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 binding on this court which de rives its jurisdiction from the Constitution -}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Article 137. We do not see that Article 126 (2)(e) has done away with}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the requirement for litigants to comply with the Rules of procedure in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 litigations. The Article merely gives Constitutional force to the well known}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and long established principle at common law that rules of procedure act}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 as handmaidens of justice. We do not see how justice can be properly}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 administered without following important rules of procedure. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi706\li0\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The framers of the Constitution were alive to this point hence the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 requirement in Article 126 that the principles, including that of not paying}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 undue regard to technicalities, must be applied subject to the law. Clearly}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 such law would include fundamental rules of procedure. In this regard we}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 draw support from the decision of the Supreme Court in : (1) Utex}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Industries Ltd. -Vs- Attorney General. Civil Application No.52 of 1995}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (unreported) and (2) Ms. Kasirye. Byaruhanga & Co. Advocates -Vs-}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Uganda Development Bank. Civil Appeal No. 2 of 1997 (unreported). In:}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Utex (supra) the court had this to say:- \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx874\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \tab \tab }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 "\tab we are not persuaded that the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constituent Assembly Delegates}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 intended to wipe out the rules of}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 procedure of our courts by enacting}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Articles 126 (2)(e). Paragraph (e)}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 contains a caution against undue regard}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 to technicalities. We think that the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 article appears to be a reflection of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 saying that rules of procedure are}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 handmaids to Justice - meaning that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 they should be applied with due regard}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 to the circumstances of each case. We}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 cannot see how in this case Article}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 126(2)(e) or Mabosi case can assist the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 respondent who sat on its rights since}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 18/8/95 without seeking leave to \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx2794\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 appeal out of time\tab Thus to avoid}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 delays rules of court provide a time}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 table within which certain steps ought}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 to be taken." \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \par \par }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 And in Kasirye, Byaruhanga & Co. Advocates (supra) the Court}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 stated after quoting Article 126 (2) (e):- \par }\pard\plain \s28\qj \fi-96\li2170\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2170\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 "We have underlined the words 'subject to the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 law.' This means that clause (2) is no licence for}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 ignoring existing law\tab a litigant who relies }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 on the provisions of Article 126 (2) (e) must}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 satisfy the Court that in the circumstances of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 particular case before the Court it was not}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 desirable to pay undue regard to a relevant}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 technicality. Article 126 (2) (e) is not a magic}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 wand in the hands of defaulting litigants.'' \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi734\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi734\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 In those two cases the Supreme Court was dealing with ordinary}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Civil Cases but we think that the principle stated there equally applies to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 constitutional cases. If the frame rs of the Constitution had thought}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 otherwise they would certainly have expressly said so. It was submitted}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 for the petitioners that Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996, 'The Rules of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court (Petitions for Declarations under Article 137 of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution) Directions, 1996 is invalid as the Chief Justice was not in}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 law authorised to make them. Those Rules were made by the Chief}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Justice under section 51 (2) (c) of the Judicature Statute, 1996 (No. 13 of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 1996) which states:- \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li1378\ri0\sb96\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx3883\faauto\rin0\lin1378\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 "51 (1) \tab \par }\pard\plain \s30\qj \li2174\ri0\sb182\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx3883\faauto\rin0\lin2174\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (2) \tab \par }\pard\plain \s24\qj \li3619\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin3619\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s24\qj \li3619\ri0\sb43\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx4608\tx8184\faauto\rin0\lin3619\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 (a) \tab \tab \par }\pard\plain \s19\qj \li2899\ri0\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx4608\faauto\rin0\lin2899\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (b) \tab \par }\pard\plain \s23\qj \fi-725\li2899\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2899\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s23\qj \fi-725\li2899\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2899\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (c) subject to rules of Court made under this Statute,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 any rules of Court applicable to the High Court}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 immediately before the coming into force of the}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution in the exercise of its jurisdiction as a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court shall app ly to the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court subject to such modifications}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 as the Chief Justice may direct in writing." \par }\pard\plain \s21\qj \fi509\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s21\qj \fi509\li0\ri0\sb53\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 It is common ground that the relevant Rules under section 51 (2) (c)}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 above are 'The Fundamental Rights And Freedoms (Enforcement}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Procedure) Rules, 1992, which were made by the Chief Justice under}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 section 20 of the now repealed Judicature Act, 1967 (No. 11 of 1967), in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 SI No. 26 of 1992. Now Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996 modified those}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Rules to provide for direct access to this Court by petitioners in exercise}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of its jurisdiction under Article 137 of the Constitution as can be seen from}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 section 1 of Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996, which states:- \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \fi-91\li2155\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2155\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s26\qj \fi-91\li2155\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2155\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 ""1. These Directions may be cited as the Rules of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court (Petitions for Declarations under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Article 137 of the Constitution) Directions, 1996." \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi710\li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 It seems clear to us that the Chief Justice made the Rules in SI No.}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 26 of 1992 lawfully under section 20 of the 1967 Judicature Act and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 lawfully modified the same Rules by Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996, under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 section 51 (2) (c) of the 1996 Judicature Act. It follows, in our judgment}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that the petitioners were duty bound to comply with the provisions in Legal}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Notice No. 4 of 1996 in bringing this petition. In any case since the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 application was brought partly under that Legal Notice the petitioners are}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 estopped from saying that the Legal Notice is invalid. See: Uganda -Vs-}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Commissioner of Prisons. Ex parte Matovu [1966] EA 514 at 528. This}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 leads us to the matter of limitation, raised in the second ground of}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 objection. Rule 4 (1) of Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996, clearly provides that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitions to this Court must be presented within 30 days after the date of \par }\pard\plain \s29\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the breach of the Constitution complained of in the petition. Under Rule}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 4 (3) the petition must be accompanied by the prescribed Court fee or else}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 it shall be rejected by the Registrar. Accepting as we do that the petition}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenges, in part, the validity of the May 1996 Presidential elections and}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the June 1996 Parliamentary elections then it had to be brought at the latest}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 by the end of June and July respectively, unless the time was extended}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which is not the case. It follows that that part of the petition is time}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 barred. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sb43\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx5338\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 In so far as the petition seeks declarations that certain Articles 73,}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 74, 269 and 271(1) of the Constitution are inconsistent with Articles 1(4),}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 20, 21, 29 and 38 of the same Constitution then the petition should have}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 been brought within 30 days of the promulgation of the Constitution, that}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 is too say, 30 days from 8th October 1995, which comes to about the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 middle of November, 1995. The same applies to all the other challenged Articles of the Constitution. \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sb72\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The declarations (a) that no political system as provided for in Articles 69}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 } {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (2) (a), 70 and 271 (1) & (4) was in existence at the time the Presidential}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and Parliamentary elections were held should have been sought either}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 immediately before those elections were held (in order to prevent them}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 being held) or within 30 days of the holding of those elections. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb48\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 To the extent stated above the petition would be time barred, as the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Rule on limitation is mandatory. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 We now turn to the first point of objection which is whether this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court is the right Court for the enforcement of human rights and freedom}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which are enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution. This petition is}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 brought under Articles 50 and 137. There can be no doubt that this Court}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 was established, for the first time, by Article 137 to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 deal with questions relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Under Article 137 (3) the petitioner must allege that: \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s36 \cs53\cf1\charrsid1071365 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s36\qj \fi-706\li2242\ri0\sb504\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2155{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent619 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin2242\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 an Act of Parliament or any other law or anything in or}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 done under the authority of any law; or \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s36 \cs53\cf1\charrsid1071365 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \s36\qj \li1536\ri0\sb163\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2155{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent619 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin1536\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 any act or omission by any person or authority, \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 is inconsistent with or cont ravenes a provision of the Constitution. It is}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 clear therefore, that petitions for declarations by this Court can only be}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 brought under Article 137 and in accordance with the Rules contained in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Legal Notice No. 4 of 1996 and in particular Rule 3(1) which provides}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that the petition under Article 137 (3) shall be in the Form specified in the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Schedule to those Rules. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 In our view petitions for enforcement of rights and freedoms under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Article 50 do not belong to this Court for Article 50 provides:- \par }\pard\plain \s28\qj \fi-96\li1536\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1536\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s28\qj \fi-96\li1536\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1536\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 ""50(1) Any person who claims that a fundamental}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 or other right or freedom guaranteed under this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution has been infringed or threatened, is}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 entitled to apply to a competent Court for redress}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which may include compensation.}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (2) Any person or organisation may bring an action}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 against the isolation of another person's or group's}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 human rights. \par }\pard\plain \s37\qj \fi-730\li2194\ri0\sb72\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2194\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (3) Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Court}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 may appeal to the appropriate Court.}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Parliament shall make laws for the enforcement of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the rights and freedoms under this Chapter.}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (Chapter Four)." \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 It seems clear to us that this Court will deal with matters falling}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 under Article 50 only by way of reference made to it under Article 137 (5)}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which provides:- \par }\pard\plain \s35\qj \fi-86\li1464\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1464\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s35\qj \fi-86\li1464\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1464\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 "137 (5) Where any question as to the interpretation of this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution arises in any proceedings in a Court of law other}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 than a Field Court Martial, the Court - \par }\pard\plain \s38\qj \li1464\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2165\faauto\rin0\lin1464\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (a)\tab may, if it is of the opinion that the question involves a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 substantial question of law; and \par }\pard \s38\qj \li1464\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx1968\faauto\rin0\lin1464\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (b)\tab shall, if any party to the proceedings requests it to do so,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 } {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 refer the question to the Constitutional Court for decision in \par }\pard\plain \s35\qj \li1435\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx1435\faauto\rin0\lin1435\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 accordance with clause (1) of this article. \par }\pard \s35\qj \li2179\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2179\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s35\qj \li2179\ri0\sb53\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2179\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (6) Where any question is referred to the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitutional Court under clause (5) of this}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 article, the Constitutional Court shall give its}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 decision on the question and the Court in}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which the question arises shall dispose of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 case in accordance with that decision. \par \sect }\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1071365\sftnbj \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sb1510\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li2189\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2189\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (7) Upon a petition being made or a question}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 being referred under this article, the Court of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Appeal shall proceed to hear and determine the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petition as soon as possible and may, for that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 purpose, suspend any other matter pending before}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 it.'> \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \li821\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin821\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \li821\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin821\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 This Court has no jurisdiction in matters not covered by Article 137 \par \sect }\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1071365\sftnbj \pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft-1805\shptop2443\shpright-96\shpbottom2722\shpfhdr0\shpbxmargin\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr1\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid1026 {\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 202}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn lTxid}{\sv 65536}}{\sp{\sn dxTextLeft}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dyTextTop}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dxTextRight}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dyTextBottom}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFitTextToShape}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLine}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn dxWrapDistLeft}{\sv 24130}}{\sp{\sn dxWrapDistRight}{\sv 24130}}{\sp{\sn dyWrapDistBottom}{\sv 6350}}{\sp{\sn posrelh}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fAllowOverlap}{\sv 1}} {\sp{\sn fEditedWrap}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fPrint}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\shptxt \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \par }}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxmargin\dobypara\dodhgt8192\dptxbx\dptxlrtb{\dptxbxtext\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1071365 \par }}\dpx-1805\dpy2443\dpxsize1709\dpysize279\dpfillfgcr255\dpfillfgcg255\dpfillfgcb255\dpfillbgcr255\dpfillbgcg255\dpfillbgcb255\dpfillpat0\dplinehollow}}} \par \sect }\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1071365\sftnbj \pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb101\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 When dealing with references under Article 137 (5) of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Constitution this Court would proceed under the Rules in Legal Notice No.}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 3 of 1996, The Interpretation of the Constitution (Procedure) Rules, 1992}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (Modification) Directions 1996. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 The third point of objection must also succeed for the two}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 declarations sought in paragraphs (iv) and (v) of the prayers of the petition}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenge, in no uncertain terms, the validity of the election of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 President and Parliament. As far as the Presidential elections were}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 concerned they could only be challenged under Article 104 which states:- \par }\pard\plain \s35\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s35\qj \li0\ri0\sb192\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 "104 (1) Subject to the provisions of this article, any \par \sect }\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1071365\sftnbj \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sb1246\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard\plain \s35\qj \li1454\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1454\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 aggrieved candidate may petition the Supreme Court for an}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 order that a candidate declared by the Electoral Commission}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elected President was not validly elected. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s32 \cs53\cf1\charrsid1071365 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard\plain \s32\qj \li1450\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2021{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent571 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls2\rin0\lin1450\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 A petition under clause (1) of this article shall be lodged}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in the Supreme Court Registry within ten days after the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 declaration of the election results. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s32 \cs53\cf1\charrsid1071365 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}The Supreme Court shall inquire into and determine the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petition expeditiously and shall declare its findings not later}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 than thirty days from the date the petition is filed. \par }\pard\plain \s26\qj \li1450\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1450\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s26\qj \li1450\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1450\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (4) Where no petition is filed within the time prescribed under}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 clause (2) of this article, or where a petition having been filed,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 is dismissed by the Supreme Court the candidate declared elected}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 shall conclusively be taken to have been duly elected as}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 President. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 It is clear from the above provisions that the only Court that can}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 unseat the President is the Supreme Court which is the highest Court in the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Land. It does so when exercising its origin al jurisdiction. In fact that is}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the only time where that Court exercises original jurisdiction as a trial}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court. Given the special status and role of the President in the affairs of}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the State, time is clearly of essence. The election of the President must be}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenged within 10 days of the declaration of the results; it may only be}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenged by a losing candidate and the Supreme Court must rule on the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 matter one way or the other within 30 days from the date of filing the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petition. The whole matter is supposed to be done with within not more than \par }\pard\plain \s38\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 40 days. As far as Parliamentary elections are concerned Article 86(1)}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 clearly provides that the High Court is the right forum to hear and}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 determine any question whether a person has been validly elected a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Member of Parliament. Under Article 86(2) there is a right of appeal to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the Court of Appeal against the decision of the High Court. Article 86(3)}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 empowered Parliament to enact a law to regulate, among others, election}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitions to the High Court. That law is now the Parliamentary Elections}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 (Interim Provisions) Statute, 1996, (No. 4 of 1996). Under section 90(1)}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of that Statute the petitions have to be filed in the High Court by (a) a}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 losing candidate or (b) a registered voter in the relevant constituency}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 supported by the signatures of at least 500 voters registered in that}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 constituency. The petition has to be filed within 30 days after the day on}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 which the result of the election has been notified by the Electoral}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Commission in the Uganda Gazette. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sb53\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 In the premises this Court has no jurisdiction to entertain an action}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 challenging the elections of the President or Parliament. The petitioners}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 cannot circumvent the clear provisions of the law on the point by claiming}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that they are not challenging those election results when their petition}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 clearly prays this Court to declare those elections null and void and that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 there is no President and no Parliament. The result would be to unseat the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 President and Members of Parliament which is not the function of this}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 In view of our earlier decision that the petition is time barred, we do}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 not find it necessary to pronounce on the question whether this Court can}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in law, declare a given provision of the Constitution unconstitutional. This}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 disposes of the fourth point of objection. Again in view of our conclusion}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 that this Court has no jurisdiction to hear a challenge to the validity of the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, it is not necessary to determine}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the point whether the Court is properly constituted. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 We now come to the sixth and last point of objection, namely, that}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the first petitioner, is not entitled to represent a group of unknown people}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 who have not even authorised him to do so. We think it is trite that the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 representative capacity must be disclosed and proved. In the instant case}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the first petitioner would have proceeded under Rule 13(1) of Legal Notice}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 No. 4 of 1996, which provides that subject to the provisions of those Rules,}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the practice and procedure in respect of Constitutional petitions to this}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court shall be regulated as nearly as possible, in accordance with the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Civil Procedure Act and Civil Procedure Rules \par }\pard\plain \s38\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 made under that Act relating to trial of suits in the High Court, with such}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 modifications this Court may consider necessary in the interest of justice}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 and expedition of the proceedings. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb24\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Under Order I Rule 8 (1) of the Civil Procedure Rules a person may}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 bring a representative action with leave of the trial Court. It would have}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 been at that stage, of seeking leave, that the first petitioner would have}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 disclosed the identity of those to be represented and whether he had their}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 blessing to do so. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi715\li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 We cannot accept the argument of Mr. Walubiri that any spirited}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 person can represent any group of persons without their knowledge or}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 consent That woul d be undemocratic and could have far reaching}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 consequences. For example, and as Counsel for the respondent rightly}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 submitted, if the first and second petitioners lost the action with costs to}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the respondent but they were unable to raise the costs, how would the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 respondent recover those costs from the unknown group called the Uganda}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Peoples Congress? What if other Members of the Uganda Peoples}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Congress chose to bring similar petitions against the respondent - would}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 the matter have been foreclosed against them on grounds of res judicata?}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 We agree with Counsel for the respondent that the first petitioner acted}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 unlawfully in bringing the representative action as he did. He could only}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 bring the petition on his own behalf. The groups' petition is incompetent. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi730\li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 From the foregoing it is clear that this petition is partly in the wrong}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Court and wholly time barred. It is therefore incompetent. We uphold the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 preliminary objections and order that the petition be struck out with costs}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 to the respondent. The costs shall be borne by the first and second}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 petitioners jointly and severally. \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s27\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Before we leave this case we should perhaps comment on Articles}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 3 and 28 which were alluded to by Counsel for the petitioners. We find}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Article 3 very interesting. It was introduced in the Constitution for the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 first time in the history of this Country. It may have been put there in the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 light of our sad and nasty past experiences of coup de'tats and other forms}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of illegal seizure of Governments by some Ugandans. It is clearly}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 intended to spur Ugandans to resist such illegal seizures of Government in}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 future and even empowers them to bring the culprits to book as soon as}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 constitutional order is re-established. \par }\pard\plain \s33\qj \fi725\li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 in the instant case it cannot be seriously contended that the present}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Government seized control of Government illegally when it was actually}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 elected in general elections. And so Article 3 was wrongly invoked. It }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 could not empower the petitioners to bring this petition out of time on the}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 grounds that they were defending the Constitution against continuing acts}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 under that Article \par }\pard \s33\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par We do not sec Article 28, which provides for fair and speedy trials}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 of cases by Courts as doing away with limitation of actions. The actions}{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 must be properly before the Courts before that Article can be called in aid. \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb38\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 Dated at Kampala this: 19}{\cs53\b\cf1\super\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 th}{\cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365 }{ \cs53\b\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 day of December 1997. \par }\pard\plain \s22\qj \fi518\li2808\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2808\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s22\qc \li0\ri0\sb211\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 S. T. MANYINDO}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \line }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE \par }\pard\plain \s39\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s39\qc \li0\ri0\sb192\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 C. M. KATO}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \line }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard\plain \s40\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par \par }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 A. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par }\pard \s40\qc \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard\plain \s39\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s39\qc \li0\ri0\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 J. . P. BERKO}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \line }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard\plain \s25\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 \par \par }\pard \s25\qc \li0\ri0\sb106\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1071365 {\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 S. G. ENGWAU}{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 }{\cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365 \line }{ \cs53\cf1\insrsid1071365\charrsid1071365 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }}