Court hears a matter seeking for temporary injunction restraining the Govt of Uganda from conducting geological activities in Hoima
East African Court of Justice, 23rd June, 2021:The First Instance Division heard an application seeking for interim orders restraining the Government of the Republic of Uganda from conducting or reviving all geological activities and evicting people of Kibiro-Hoima District and the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara from their ancestral salt manufacturing lands or enacting any policy and legislation in that regard, until hearing and disposal of the main case (Reference No. 16 of 2020).
The applicant alleges that geological activities (including for geothermal energy and electricity), mining and exploration are being carried out in that area, which is the site of the Kibiro Ancient Salt Manufacturing Works that are on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
At the hearing the Applicant, Adam Kyomuhendo submitted that the activities complained of, concern spillages of noxious matter, fumes and substances and oil spillages that occurred in 2019 when a private contractor (Messrs Royal Techno Services Limited), hired by the government of Uganda (Respondent), engaged in drilling activities of Temperature Gradient Holes in Kibiro causing the damage.
Counsel Kyomuhendo argued that both the Application No. 16 of 2020 and Reference No. 16 of 2020 allege that the impugned activities of government of the Republic of Uganda at Kibiro violate fundamental principles of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on culture, environment and traditional religion.
The Reference alleges that the proposal and preliminary actions by the Gov't of Uganda to establish a geothermal electricity project at Kibiro Hotsprings village without prior and adequate consultation of the people in that area & Kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara is an infringement on their rights.
The Lawyer representing the government of Uganda (Respondent) objected the prayers by the Kyomuhendo (Applicant) and submitted that the Applicant has no evidence to prove a prima facie case and did not demonstrate irreparable damages suffered if the injunction is not granted. The Respondent asked Court to dismiss the application with costs. The Court will deliver the ruling on notice.
The matter was brought before Honourable Judges of the First Instance Division: Justice Yohane Masara (Principal Judge). Justice Audace Ngiye (Deputy Principal Judge) Justice Charles Nyachae, Justice Richard Wejuli & Justice Richard Muhumuza.
Parties in Court were Adam Kyomuhendo Applicant (self-represented) and Counsel Wanyama Kodoli Principal State Attorney & Kukunda Clare Senior State Attorney represented the Attorney General of Uganda.
For more information please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo
Registrar
East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Court of Justice
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
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