News updated at E-Society Kasese
A court in Kasese District has denied bail to two aides of Forum for Democratic Change president Kizza Besigye.
Mr Sam Mugumya, Mr Francis Mwijukye and Mr Robert
Kasakwa, who reappeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s court on
Monday, have been on remand at Mubuku Prison since October 5, charged
with stealing two mobile phones and money.
Prosecution alleges that the trio committed the
offence on August 4 at Maliba Trading Centre in Maliba Sub-county,
Kasese District during campaigns for the recently concluded Woman MP
by-election. The phones and Shs100,000 belonged to Mr Ismail Muyingo.
The accused deny the charges.
However, there was drama in court when their file
was called twice but blocked by State lawyer Michael Mwanja who, asked
the court to adjourn for a lunch break. Upon resumption at 2pm, he again
asked for an adjournment, saying the police officer handling their
file was not in court.
Nevertheless, court started hearing the case and
bail applications at 2:15pm with the state calling one witness, Mr
Yeremia Sunday, 33, a resident of Maliba Sub-county. Mr Sunday caused
laughter in court when he said he had never met the accused. “This is my
first time to see these people but they are the ones who stole the
phone,” he told court.
When the defence lawyer made bail applications for
the accused, the State moved fast to block the application for Mr
Mugumya and Mr Mwijukye. “Your worship, the suspects have no fixed abode
within the jurisdiction of this court and may not be able to report
since they come from far away. So, there is no need for them to be
granted bail,” argued state lawyer Mwanje.
Mr Robert Kasakwa’s bail application was, however,
accepted. Trial magistrate Patrick Bamuhiga adjourned the hearing to
today when he is expected to make a ruling on the bail application.
