CBS closure: Parties asked to settle matter out of court

Kampala

Employees of the closed Central Broadcasting Services radio and the government have for the second time been advised to settle their case out of court. Employees of the radio that was closed in September for allegedly inciting violence sued the government over its closure.

Kampala High Court Judge Vincent Zehurikize told the parties yesterday that settling the matter out of court would prevent the winner-loser situation that is always difficult to bear.

“Both parties have a high stake in the case and after hearing and judgment delivered, the relationship of the government and the radio must continue. Bad blood may make the future more difficult,” Justice Zehurikize said. The judge said his option to give the parties time to settle the case out of court should not be misinterpreted as a protracted scheme by court to delay justice.

Alternative solution
“Settlement out-of-court is a means of alternative dispute resolution and is a modern court procedure. This is not an ordinary case and it is better to sit and agree the way forward,” he said. Justice Zehurikize had given CBS and the government two months to settle the matter out of court but when lawyers of the parties returned to court yesterday, no agreement had been reached.

Mr John Katende, a lawyer for CBS employees, said they had arranged to meet with the government but it was impossible. “We undertake to meet with both parties but we don’t know whether the other side will accept,” Mr Katende said. But Ms Margaret Apiny, who represented the Attorney General, told court that she had been served the scheduling notes by Mr Katende on Monday and they had not perused through them to respond. The notes contained issues for discussion.