The High Court in Rukungiri has adjourned the trial of the Ruhinda sub-county residents’ case against Rukungiri district officials, accusing them of damaging their property during a wetland restoration project.
The hearing was adjourned by Resident Judge Tom Chemutai to March 5, 2024. Present at the hearing were the legal team representing Ruhinda residents, led by counsel Arinaitwe Peter and Odur Anthony of Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, government prosecutors from the attorney general’s office, Rukungiri district officials, and some Ruhinda residents.
Arinaitwe Peter, the Managing Partner of Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, stated that they appeared in the Rukungiri High Court for a mention in a Judicial Review Application filed on behalf of 84 Ruhinda residents. The residents accused Rukungiri District Local Government and three government officials of unlawfully destroying their property.
The legal team is seeking a declaration from the high court that the wetland demarcation and restoration actions in Ruhinda Sub-County were illegal, irrational, disproportional, arbitrary, and violated fundamental human rights. They are also demanding compensation of 5 billion Ugandan shillings for residents whose property was destroyed.
Arinaitwe highlighted that the wetland restoration team in Rukungiri district did not follow the correct procedure during the implementation, and he noted the government’s involvement in the case through the office of the attorney general.
Residents present at the Rukungiri High Court expressed their desire for justice, requesting the removal of NEMA mark stones from their land, as they argue that their property is not located in wetlands.
Rukungiri district communications officer Rebecca Koshabe stated that the district believes the restoration process followed the correct procedure, and they will await the court’s decision, respecting the residents’ choice to pursue legal action.
2 Comments