The High Court has dismissed an application by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) seeking to suspend a tribunal ruling that nullified the expulsion of former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute.
In its ruling, the court declined to interfere with the decision of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which had earlier found that Orwoba’s removal from the party was unlawful. The court further rejected attempts by UDA to validate the nomination of Consolata Wakwabubi Nabwire as Orwoba’s replacement.
The latest decision reinforces the tribunal’s findings and casts further doubt on the legality of the process that led to Orwoba’s expulsion.
Orwoba was expelled from UDA following accusations of disloyalty and conduct deemed inconsistent with party positions, after she was linked to engagements perceived to align with opposition figures. The party’s disciplinary committee cited breach of party code as grounds for her removal.
However, the move was swiftly challenged, triggering a legal battle that has now spanned multiple institutions. The PPDT, in a detailed ruling, faulted UDA for failing to adhere to due process, citing procedural irregularities including lack of proper notification, unsigned documents, and denial of a fair hearing.
The tribunal concluded that the expulsion violated principles of natural justice and could not stand.
UDA’s attempt to suspend that ruling through the High Court has now been rejected, effectively maintaining the position that Orwoba’s expulsion remains null and void.
The court’s refusal to recognise Wakwabubi’s nomination further complicates the matter, leaving the status of the Senate seat in legal uncertainty.
The ruling is expected to have wider implications on how political parties handle internal disciplinary processes, particularly in cases involving elected or nominated leaders, as scrutiny over adherence to constitutional and legal standards continues to intensify.
