Expect fair verdict in age limit case - Justice Dollo
Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo
KAMPALA- As countdown to judgement day for the presidential age limit petition draws closer, the Deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has assured the country that the Constitutional Court verdict will be fair and thorough.
In April, Justice Owiny-Dollo headed a panel of five justices of the Constitutional Court sitting in Mbale District that heard the consolidated age limit petitions. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the court said judgment would be given on notice.
“I write judgments according to the law and my own conscience. I do not allow to be influenced or compromised when writing judgments and this applies to all cases I have handled. This includes the famous case which was heard in Mbale which people are anxious about,” Justice Owiny Dollo said. “Many people have already made their own judgments concerning this case and this is their own problem. Let me tell you, the country belongs to the people and the Constitution must be utilised for the good of the people. I assure you the Mbale judgment will be delivered and it will be thorough.” Justice Owiny-Dollo was speaking on Sunday during Eucharistic celebrations for Christians from Gulu Ecclesiastical Province who live in the central region.
The function was hosted at St Jude Catholic Parish Naguru, Kampala, by bishops of Gulu, Nebbi, Arua and Lira (GANAL) districts.
Justice Owiny-Dollo who was the guest speaker emphasised that the Constitution belongs to all Ugandans.
The Eucharistic celebrations are held every year a week after the Uganda Martyrs Day festivities at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.
The other justices who heard age limit petition are; Remmy Kasule, Elizabeth Musoke, Cheborion Barishaki and Kenneth Kakuru.
Although the judgment is to be delivered on notice, the court has up to June 19 next week as per provisions of the Uganda Code of Judicial Manual which gives court two months to deliver a judgment from the last date of hearing.
The petition was challenging the process that led to the amendment of the Constitution to remove the presidential upper cap age limit of 75 and the lower age cap limit of 35.
The petitioners say that the amendment process was flawed and want court to nullify the amendments which paved way for President Museveni, 73, to stand again and as many times as he wishes beyond the age of 75.
