Norbert Mao says he is not a director, lawyer or decision-maker in the Atiak Sugar company.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
KAMPALA — The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has denied any role in Atiak Sugar and dismissed a recent notice against him as “misguided and based on false allegations.”
“I’m not a Director of Atiak Sugar and have never been a member of the Board of Atiak Sugar. I’m not a lawyer for Atiak Sugar. I’m not in any decision-making position in matters of Atiak Sugar,” Mao said in a statement.
He said he expects the matter to be dropped. “I’m sure they will investigate and dismiss the request because all it has is a nuisance value,” he added.
Mao challenged the law firm behind the complaint to redirect its efforts. “If that law firm is serious about human rights they should start by fighting for the rights of Australian native Aboriginal people who suffered dispossession of their native lands, genocide and crimes against humanity,” he said.
‘Ugandan courts are the proper forum’
On liability, the minister said any claims should be handled locally. “If I am liable in any way for the wrongs the complainants allegedly suffered, the Ugandan courts are a good first step,” he said.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao has denied being a director, board member, lawyer, or decision-maker at Atiak Sugar. He called a recent notice “misguided” and of “nuisance value”, urged the law firm to pursue Aboriginal rights in Australia, and said Ugandan courts are the proper forum if liability is alleged.
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