The Inspectorate of Government has asked court to stay the lifting of the interdiction against Sarah Kulata, the lands Commissioner.
The IGG through its representative Hosea Lwanga made the request before the High Court judge Vicente Zehurikize. He argued that Kulata’s interdiction has to be maintained pending the final conclusion of the court case against her.
There is still a pending appeal before Court of Appeal in connection with the abuse of office charges earlier slapped against her.
He also cited the Public Service Commission regulations that demand that any public officer facing criminal charges should be interdicted until when cleared.
Kulata is seeking a court order to quash the decision of the IGG, directing the PS Ministry of Lands not to lift her interdiction.
She argues that this directive by the IGG to the PS is illegal.
Through her lawyer Allan Waniala, Kulata argues that she is not facing any criminal charges.
Waniala further argued that even if the IGG has appealed against her acquittal, she remains free until such a time when the court of appeal determines on the matter.
Kulata also wants costs and damages for the unlawful acts of the IGG for maliciously keeping her out of office and the embarrassment caused to her.
On November 7th 2011, Kulata, was interdicted by Gabindadde Musoke, the permanent Secretary ministry of lands.
The interdiction on the orders of the IGG was intended to pave way for investigations into her case that was before the Anti-Corruption Court. Kulata had been accused of parceling out land worth overShs 11billion to Kikoyongo Investment Ltd believed not to be the owners.
However, on January 11th this year, the Anti-Corruption Court discontinued charges against her. Citing the IGG Act, court ruled that the IGG is barred from prosecuting Kulata, because there was a civil matter against her in connection with the same case before another court.
The judge has fixed June 6 as the date when he will rule on whether or not the interdiction should be lifted.
