MUKONO – Human rights lawyer, Yasin Ssentumbwe alias Munnagomba has dragged the Uganda Christian University-UCU tribunal before Mukono High Court for allegedly detaining him illegally.
Ssentumbwe petitioned the High court through his lawyers, Gem Advocates after the university had ignored his demands for an apology in respect of the tribunal’s unreasonable detention, under a mango tree, next to a toilet, and under the watchful eye of security guards.
The lawyer had appeared before the university tribunal on August 12, 2022, to represent Ruth Kigongo and Elizabeth Nakawombe, who were summoned for a disciplinary hearing.
The tribunal, which David Mugawe chaired in his capacity as its vice chairperson, attracted attendance from Samuel Kiragye – the senior legal office and Florence Nakiyingi- director of human resources; and the University Chaplain – Rev Paul Wasswa Ssembiro. Others included Dr Geoffrey Mulindwa, Sylvia Musiime and Rev Prof Christopher Byaruhanga.
Ssentumbwe notes that it was unjustifiable to invite armed security guards to the tribunal hall who harassed and ejected him from the hearing, denying him an opportunity to represent his clients as prescribed by section 66 of the Employment Act. He added the actions had degraded him as a human rights defender, besides causing him distress.
“The Chairperson ordered four angry armed guards to forcefully take me out of the hall. They surrounded me and ordered me to move out with my hands raised up.
“The guards pushed me before detaining me under the mango tree until the end of the hearing,” notes Ssentumbwe in his application.
Ssentumbwe wants the university to pay him Ugx50m for the unconstitutional and unchristian manner in which its tribunal acted towards him.
The University vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, David Mugawe who chaired the said tribunal, claims that the motion and affidavits, Ssentumbwe had filed before his court on the day, contained falsehoods and have subsequently asked the High Court to strike them out, with costs.
Mugawe said that the applicant was allowed to guide and support the two employees but not as an advocate but he became disruptive and several times loudly interrupted the proceedings despite being politely cautioned not to act in such a manner.
“The applicant frequently advised Ruth Kagingo not to respond to questions put up to her despite my guidance as the chairperson that cooperation was necessary to enable the tribunal to give her a fair hearing but the applicant became violent and started shouting at the members of the tribunal,” notes Mugawe.
He refuted claims that the applicant was detained under the mango tree and explains that he was instead offered a waiting space at the Vice Chancellor’s office reception area but he chose a public space in the compound where he felt more comfortable.
Mukono High Court deputy Registrar, Elizabeth Akuro has set February 27 to hear the matter.
