Justice Cheborion Barishaki has Thursday revived for petitioners after he termed the extension of Parliament’s term from 5 years to 7 years by MPs as ‘uncceptable and illegal.’
This was happened as the panel of five judges delivered their judgement on the age limit petition sitting at Mbale Court.
Early this year a group of Ugandans from different institutions, who include Uganda Law Society (ULS), lawyer Male Kiwanuka Mabirizi, six Opposition MPs led by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winnie Kiiza, Prosper Businge, Dr.Abed Bwanika and Jonathan Abaine Buregyeya petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging the passing of the age limit bill by Parliament of Uganda late last year.
The panel of judges heard the petition and set July 26 as the date when the verdict would be read.
In his ruling Justice Barishaki said, “These were unprecedented amendments through which people ought to have been consulted. Extending the term parliament and amounted to a fragrant breach of social contract.”
Adding that , “it amounted to an attempt by parliament to override the power of the people and the same was null and void.”
Mr Barishaki reasoned that the public was denied chance to participate in a crucial matter regarding their governance.
“Parliament didn’t have authority to amend its term without holding a referendum and it was done unconstitutionally.” There ought to have been a referendum to decide the matter.”
He further noted no evidence was tabled in court by the defendants to justify the extension of MPs’ term of office.
By Press time, the panel of judges was still reading their rulings before the final judgement is announced.