Former MP Kipoi arrested in DR Congo

Former Bubulo West Member of Parliament Tonny Nsubuga   Kipoi has been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr Kipoi is currently detained in Kinshasa pending extradition to Uganda. Uganda Police through its Directorate of Interpol and International Relations made a formal request to their counterparts in Congo on February 26, 2014 for him to be arrested and extradited to Uganda. In July last year, Mr Kipoi appeared at the Chief Magistrates Court of Nakawa on charges of possessing a stolen Volkswagen car bearing Botswana Reg. No. B534 AHM.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. However, he later jumped the bail. Police say if all the necessary paper work is done, Mr Kipoi will be brought to Uganda to be prosecuted.

On Tuesday Mr Kipoi lost his seat after Parliament adopted recommendations by its Rules committee that he has missed 15 sittings of the House, without a clear reasons explaining his absence.

A report by the Rules, Privileges and Discipline committee ruled that MP Kipoi has defaulted on the voters in Bubulo West, who elected him to Parliament.
“That Kipoi be ruled to have ceased to be MP under Article 81(3) of the Constitution and rule 101 of Parliament. The process for his replacement be initiated in accordance with Article (81) 2 of the constitution, ”reads the Committee’s report.
Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulayah rejected pleas by some opposition MPs that deliberating on Kipoi’s absence amounted to sub-judice citing a petition in the Constitutional Court seeking to halt parliamentary investigations against MP Kipoi.
MPs opposed to the report also argued that their colleague was not given a chance to be heard, violating the rules of natural justice. Mr Odoi, however, referred to the report that made reference to several attempts made at reaching out to Mr Kipoi, which he did not respond to.