Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka blocks Parliament from allowing a private member to reintroduce the nullified bill on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances control.
The bill reintroduced by Bugiri Municipality legislator Asuman Basalirwa who was seconded by MP Christopher Komakech, was opposed as Kiwanuka argues the government’s continued interest in the Act nullified for lack of quorum.
Earlier this month, Constitutional Court nullified the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015 which among others prohibited the sale and use of several narcotic and cannabis drugs in Uganda.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi, the court ruled that the manner in which the entire law was enacted was illegal and the only remedy was repealing it.
“In the premises, I would declare the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015 null and void for lack of quorum on the part of parliament contrary to articles 88 and 89 of the Constitution and rule 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the 9th Parliament, 2012 made, pursuant to articles 88 and 94 of the Constitution,” Justice Muzamiru Mutangula Kibeedi said in a lead judgment.
