Entebbe Court has ordered the release of lawyer Male Mabirizi for the purpose of helping to prosecute Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao.
The Entebbe Chief Magistrates Court Wednesday called for the release of lawyer Male Mabirizi to help in the prosecution of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao.
Norbert Mao is also the president of the Democratic Party-DP was in surprise recruitment appointed to the position last month by President Museveni.
However, days after the appointment, Male Mabirizi rose to petition the court pointing charges on Norbert Mao for being a common nuisance, disobedience of statutory duty and conspiracy to defraud by seeking a lucrative ministerial appointment as president general of the Democratic Party (DP) when his term expired earlier.”
In response, Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis scheduled the hearing for August 19, where Mr Norbert Mao and DP secretary general, Mr Gerald Siranda, are expected to take plea on the charges that attract a punishment of seven years in jail upon conviction.
Male Mabirizi who is currently serving an 18-month jail term arising from his endless battles with judicial officers, requires special clearance to appear in court to pursue his case- which the chief magistrate has granted.
Norbert Mao, Museveni MOU
President Yoweri Museveni and the Democratic Party president on July 20 signed a Memorandum of Understanding at State House Entebbe as leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party and DP announced cooperation.
“By virtue of the authority conferred on the president by Articles 113(1) and 114(1) of the constitution of the Republic of Uganda, I hereby appoint persons below as Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State,” Museveni said in a document signed on July 21st confirming Mao’s appointment.
Mao who already took oath to take up the position was also inducted into the Public Service on Thursday, July 28 and has been since then serving in the position.
Speaking during the same time about his collaboration with the DP party, Mao now Justice and Constitutional affairs minister said the agreement he signed with President Museveni was on behalf of the party and not his own doing.
As a result, he promised he will continue exercising his duty as the party president like before.
“The constitution of DP and the cooperation agreement (with Mr Museveni) are not mutually exclusive. I signed it as president of DP and will continue exercising my duty as DP president,” Mao said then.
“I have heard voices calling for me to step aside. The reason would have been for instance if members said I will be too busy. That one I would listen to it,” he added.
