CBS case to be heard in July

Kampala
The High Court in Kampala has set July 8 for hearing of a case in which employees of the closed Central Broadcasting Service are suing the government over the closure of the radio station.

Justice Vincent Zehukirize set the date after the two sides reportedly failed to meet to settle the case out of court.
The Buganda Kingdom-owned radio was closed in September last year over allegations of inciting violence.

About 100 employees rendered jobless by the closure, instituted a joint legal action against the government which in turn filed a counter-suit against the station for allegedly inciting violence during the September riots.

However, Justice Zehukirize said the two parties still have the opportunity to settle the case out of court.

The case yesterday delayed after it emerged that the Attorney General did not approve a team to negotiate with the complainants. This prompted Justice Zehukirize to extend the case for another one-and -half months to allow an out-of-court settlement.

Last warning
Senior State Attorney Patricia Mutesi said meetings for negotiations could not proceed because the AG had not approved the team.

But Justice Zehukirize observed that there were parties frustrating the negotiations and warned that he would proceed to hear the case on the next session if no results were reported.

“We are adjourning for the last time and come ready to proceed if no report is given about the negotiations,” Justice Zehukirize said.

Last month, the judge advised the two parties for the second time, to settle their case out of court, saying it would prevent the winner-loser situation that is always difficult to bear. The employees want to be compensated for the loss of employment due to the station’s closure.

They are demanding remedies through costs, damages and interests of over Shs3 billion.

The government asked for an apology before the radio is re-opened.

The State also wants the radio studios relocated from Bulange, the administrative seat of the Buganda Kingdom and programmes that reportedly incite violence and public disorder purged.
The kingdom has rejected the conditions causing more acrimony between the two parties.