MP, soldiers remanded over plot to overthrow government

Twenty three people, including Nakawa Division Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka (blue shirt) were Tuesday remanded over alleged plot to overthrow government. Photo by Michael Kakumirizi 

By EPHRAIM KASOZI & JALIRA NAMYALO
Posted 


Tuesday, June 28  

2016 at 

19:57

KAMPALA. Twenty three people, including Nakawa Division Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka were Tuesday remanded over alleged plot to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
They were charged before Makindye based General Court Martial on allegations of treachery and offences relating to security, which attract a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
“You, the accused persons have been charged before this court and pleaded not guilty to the cases and or kept silence. Court hereby remands you the civilians to Kigo government prison and the soldiers are remanded to Military police cells at Makindye until July 12,” said Lt Gen. Andrew Gutti, the court chairman who presided over the matter.

The court remanded Mr Kabaziguruka, Mr Musa Lutwama and an Assistant Inspector of Police; Mr Obulejo Ferdinand attached to counter terrorism at Naguru to Kigo Prison while soldiers were sent to Makindye Military Police barracks.
The soldiers include; Capt Andrew Ojaa, a junior officer attached to camp commandant Land forces at Bombo, Cpl Geoffrey Idro attached to Military Police, Cpl Richard Odama attached to Nakasongola Air force defence division, L/Cpl Drachiri Raymond (rifleman of Military Police at Makindye), L/Cpl Godfrey Inyani (Military Police at Makindye) and Obua Jacob (intelligence staff attached to counter intelligence officer of camp commandant at Bomb.

Others are Pte Christopher Omonyi (directorate of sports), Pte Amude Geoffrey (Land forces at Bombo), Pte Shafik Masembe, AIP Obulejo Ferdinand, Bilal Asuman, Cpl Tibesigwa Emmanuel, Cpl Elweru Justine,Pte Angola Ibrahim, Pte Oonyu Ambrose, Pte Matagi James, Pte Achan Lucy, Pte Oguti Billy Paul, Namara Fredrick and Pte Byamaka James.
Others are Pte Tugume Benon a resident of Kyabakazi in Rakai District and Pte (rtd) Namara Freddrick.
However, Mr Kabaziguruka declined to plead to the charges arguing that the military court did have the jurisdiction to try him.

He said: “My issue is whether I should be tried in this court because I am a civilian and an MP. I am not sure whether I am in the right place.”
Mr Kabaziguruka asked for time to be allowed to access his lawyers and medical attention to enable him challenge the jurisdiction of the court.
“I was arrested on June 8 this year and since then I was not allowed to talk to my lawyers up to date. Therefore I pray to court to allow me time to access and talk to my lawyers,” Mr Kabaziguruka pleaded.

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