The high court in Kampala has thrown out a petition by the DP rival faction, which sought to challenge the presidency of the Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao.
In March 2010, the DP rival faction led by Prof. Joseph Mukiibi petitioned the high court seeking to annul the election of the party's new executive on grounds that it is illegal.
Mukiibi also described Mao's group as a rebel faction that grabbed power when they were elected in Mbale last February. His faction also sought court's intervention to pave way for a new delegates conference that could lead to the election of the party's new executive.
But Mao's camp sought a Court order to stop the conference on grounds that the Prof. Mukiibi's faction was organizing an illegal gathering because Mao was legally elected as the new party president.
During a hearing this morning, the high court in Kampala ruled that Norbert Mao is substantive president of the Democratic Party.
High court Judge, Justice Lawrence Gidudu, dismissed the case on the grounds that it was wrongfully filled. He said the breakaway faction sued DP as a party instead of individuals, a matter that he cannot contest.
Justice Gidudu advised that the two factions settle the matter outside court or have the matter appealed taken to the court of Appeal.
Court has also blocked the planned delegates conference by the rival faction.
Joseph Balikudembe, the DP breakaway faction lawyer, says thefaction shall appeal the decision by High Court to uphold the Mbale delegate's conference that declared Norbert Mao as the party president.
The supporters of the DP rival factions received the judgement with mixed reaction. Mao's supporters jubilated chanting slogans "DP oyee" congratulating and hugging the DP party President, Norbert Mao.
Mao expressed happiness at the court verdict.
//Cue in: we were not wrong...
Cue out:..Lies spread about us. //
But Ignatius Malungi, a supporter of the breakaway faction, says justice was denied through reliance on technicalities rather than real issues at hand.
//Cue in: the verdict is ...
Cue out:. ...Interest of justice.//
Mao has asked the breakaway faction led by Lulume Bayiga, Buikwe South MP to unite and forge a way forward rarther than dwell on wrangles.
// Cue in : I want to unite
Cue out: government in Uganda.//
The ruling today could mark an end to a series of internal rifts that has rocked one of Uganda's oldest political party-The Democratic Party.
