The Deputy Chief Justice Stephen Kavuma has refused to step down from hearing a case in which Rubaga South MP Paul Kato Lubwama is seeking to block the filing of an election petition against him.
Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde , the lawyer representing Kato’s political rival Habib Buwembo had asked Justice Kavuma to excuse himself from the panel handling this case, on grounds that his client will not get justice as (Kavuma) has a personal vendetta against him (Ssemakadde).
In a letter addressed to Justice Kavuma, Ssemakadde expressed fear that given the duo’s present relationship where Ssemakadde has filed several suits and complaints before the Cheif justice and Judicial service commission questioning Kavuma’s impartiality and appointment as DCJ , Buwembo may not get justice.
However, in his ruling read by the Deputy registrar Deo Nzeyimana, justice Kavuma dismissed Ssemakadde’s request on grounds that it was professionally wanting having been based on mere speculation with no genuine concern as his relationship with a lawyer has no connection or effect to a party in any case.