A Ugandan citizen Deus Arinaitwe, has filed a lawsuit against the government over plans to relocate Luzira Prison, alleging illegality in the process. In here, we shall outline the key arguments of the lawsuit and the potential implications for the proposed relocation.
Summary:
- Deus Arinaitwe filed a lawsuit against the Ugandan government challenging the proposed relocation of Luzira Prison
- Deus Arinaitwe also requests that the court holds the President and the Minister of Internal Affairs accountable for potential abuse of public office
Deus Arinaitwe, a concerned citizen, has filed a lawsuit against the Ugandan government, challenging the proposed relocation of Luzira Prison. The lawsuit centers around allegations that the government’s negotiations with a Chinese company, Tian Tang Group Holdings Limited, to relocate the prison to Buikwe District in exchange for the construction of a five-star hotel and commercial hub, are illegal and unconstitutional.
Arinaitwe argues that President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to the Minister of Internal Affairs in July 2022, initiating the relocation process, lacked proper authority and disregards the legal procedures for land acquisition. He contends that the President’s actions violate Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to own property.
The lawsuit further claims that the government’s actions threaten the rule of law and principles of good governance by circumventing established procedures for compulsory land acquisition. Arinaitwe highlights a pattern of the President allegedly granting land to investors without following due process, raising concerns about potential abuse of power.
The lawsuit seeks court intervention to halt the relocation, declare the President’s directive illegal, and prevent the transfer or acquisition of the Luzira Prison land. Deus Arinaitwe also requests that the court hold the President and the Minister of Internal Affairs accountable for potential abuse of public office for allegedly engaging in lobbying efforts that benefit a private investor.
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As of September 25, 2024, the Attorney General, representing the government, and Tian Tang Group Holdings Limited had not yet responded to the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the proposed relocation of Luzira Prison and highlight concerns regarding land rights and governance in Uganda.
