NURDP Founder Kibalama Sweats In Court During Cross Examination

Kibalama

Kibalama and Bobi Wine at a recent event

BY DOREEN ASSASIRA

KAMPALA, Uganda|SHIFTMEDIA| The court session was parked, security was tense, and ‘sweat’ was all over Nkonge Kibalama as he was grilled by lawyers.

The founder of the National Unity Reconciliation and Development Party (NURDP) that has since evolved into the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mzee Nkonge Kibalama met resistance from a barrel of questions by lawyers.

Kibalama was appearing before Court to pronounce himself about changing his affidavits in the case brought against him. Kibalama and former party secretary had sworn and signed affidavits that the party leadership and the name were changed after delegates’ conference which occurred in Kakiri. He was sued by two of his party supporters.

In 2019, Kibalama and other party members applied to the Electoral Commission to have NURP change to NUP and the application was objected. It was revealed that in 2012 and 2013, they attempted to change the party name to Independent National Unity Party however their application was declined.

During cross-examination, Mzee Nkonge first objected to filing right documents to have NURP changed to NUP however, in turn, he contracted himself saying the documents were false and he made a mistake.

According to section 15 (3) of the political party and organisations act, section 15 (3) of the political party and organisations act, section 15 (3) of the political party and organisations act, any person who furnishes information knowing that it is false,  commits an offence and liable on conviction and sentence not exceeding two years.

In the first affidavit prepared by Anthony Wameli and company advocates and signed on 14 September 2020, Kibalama said the party leadership and name were changed after a delegates conference attended by 41 delegates in Kakiri.

On 17th September, he signed another affidavit drafted by the Bayingana Barungi and company advocates, Nkonge informed the court that he is retracting the first one. He said they didn’t have a delegates conference however sat with nine people and changed the party name and leadership.

“What prompted you to change the affidavit?” Sseggona asked. In his response, Kibalama said he was denied a role in NUP that is why he wants to reclaim the party. NUP lawyers, however, told the court that Kibalama is the head of elders and advisory committee in the party.

When asked who the party president is, Kibalama said it is the Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi.

Earlier this month, Kibalama was filmed saying that Bobi Wine promised him $5million to hand over the party to him however when he appeared before Court, he denied making such a statement and respondents lawyer Lubega Medard Sseggona promised to avail video recording of him.

 

Shift Media News

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