The High Court has issued an interim order prohibiting members of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) from convening an extraordinary general meeting to discuss a ruling in the Tilenga oil project case. The court order restrains ULS from holding the meeting scheduled for January 12, 2024, until the determination of an application filed in 2024. The application was filed by the Attorney General in the Civil Division of the High Court, following complaints of alleged judicial misconduct, bias, and irregularities against Justice Jesse Byaruhanga in the Tilenga project affected persons’ case.
The complainants, including Kisembo Rugadya and others, accuse Justice Byaruhanga of delivering a suspicious ruling four days after the case was filed. They argue that the judge’s decision favored the government and TotalEnergies EP Uganda. Lawyer Eron Kiiza, representing the complainants, contends that the judge refused to hear their side of the case, leading to allegations of bias, judicial misconduct, incompetence, and abuse of judicial office.
The ruling in question pertains to a case filed by the Attorney General against 42 oil-affected individuals, whose land in Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, and other districts is being compulsorily acquired for the Tilenga oil project. The complainants seek disciplinary action against Justice Byaruhanga and request the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to bar him from handling matters related to oil and compensation in the High Court.
The Judiciary spokesperson, James Ereemye Mawanda, acknowledged the complainants’ right to petition the JSC but emphasized the availability of legal avenues for appealing court decisions if dissatisfied.
