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The High Court in Kampala has made a ruling, dismissing a case brought forward by city lawyer Steven Kalali. The case, aimed at securing a declaration concerning the inadequate housing provided to Police officers and its infringement upon their right to dignity, was filed against the Attorney General in April 2022 at the Civil Division of the High Court.
Acting Judge Douglas Singiza, in his ruling on March 1, cited insufficient evidence presented by Kalali as the primary reason for the dismissal. The judge emphasized the importance of verifying evidence around fiscal responsibility, noting that the court was unable to make appropriate declarations due to the lack of sufficient material. He suggested that litigants in similar cases enlist subject matter expertise, such as amici curiae, to provide substantial evidence to aid the court in reaching a decision.
Additionally, the judge highlighted the absence of evidence supporting the allegations and pleadings made by Kalali. Despite assertions in the applicant’s affidavits regarding inquiries made to responsible authorities, no tangible evidence was presented before the court. This lack of evidence extended to the police budget and any proof of misappropriation of allocated funds.
Furthermore, Justice Singiza acknowledged the government’s efforts in investing in accommodation, citing the construction of 10,000 new units and additional apartments with separate bedrooms for adults and children. He deemed these interventions reasonable and emphasized the difficulty in faulting the government based on the evidence provided.
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The court also considered the steps taken by the government in addressing the housing issue, including the construction of housing units for the Naguru Police Barracks and other barracks across the country. The government’s strategy to encourage external financing, dispose of prime land for budget creation, and promote a mortgage scheme for individual home ownership was deemed reasonable by the judge.
In his background statement, Kalali emphasized the importance of the right to decent housing for Police officers, citing constitutional and international orders articulating this right. He argued that the poor housing conditions provided to officers were unfit for human habitation and infringed upon their right to health and dignity.
However, despite these arguments, the court found insufficient evidence to support Kalali’s claims, leading to the dismissal of the case.
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