Lukwago: I welcome dialogue with govt

Kampala. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has said he is receptive to talks with government but vowed not to endorse a deal that compromises him and principles of the rule of law.
Mr Lukwago in a telephone interview told Daily Monitor yesterday he does not “expect unconscionable conditions from government with the intention of pushing me in a tight corner and to compromise me.”
“All I am looking forward to is for government to honour their commitment as stated by the Prime Minister, Mr Ruhakana Rugunda, last Friday. He said such a process must be guided by good faith and principles of constitutionalism,” Mr Lukwago said. “I have soldiered on for the more than one year; my office has been locked; KCCA councillors are simply loitering around and have not agreed on anything useful to the people of Kampala, which shows the reign of terror at City Hall.”
Last week, Parliament had refused to pass a $175 million (about Shs500 billion) World Bank infrastructure loan for Kampala Capital City Authority until a solution to the political stalemate at City Hall is found.
The deputy Speaker, Mr Jacob Oulanyah, directed Dr Rugunda, the leader of government Business in Parliament, and the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Wafula Oguttu, to kick-start the negotiations.
The culmination is Dr Rugunda’s announcement that Mr Lukwago will be reinstated in February.
Yesterday, Mr Lukwago said he had scanty information on the proceedings leading to the PM’s revelation but he would be meeting Mr Oguttu today.
“In that meeting we will delve into the nitty-gritty and also what basically is required of me,” he said.
Once he is reinstated, Mr Lukwago, according to the observer will also be paid his salary arrears of Shs208 million.

Lukwago impeachment

Mr Lukwago was controversially impeached by KCCA councillors in November 2013, acting on the KCCA Tribunal report that found him guilty of abuse of office, incompetence, misconduct or misbehaviour and failure to convene meetings of the Authority without reasonable cause. Attempts to return to office, since then, have resulted into protracted legal battles between his supporters, lawyers and the police. However, in March High Court Judge Lydia Mugambe reinstated him, a decision which was overturned by Justice Steven Kavuma of Court of Appeal.

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