Three Members of Parliament (MPs), including Francis Zaake of Mityana Municipality, have returned to court today, July 25, 2024. They are facing charges of participating in an unlawful assembly and disobeying police orders. The other MPs involved are Charles Tebandeke of Bbaale County and Hassan Kirumira of Katikamu South.
The legislators are expected to appear before the Law Development Centre (LDC) Court, with Grade One Magistrate Martins Kirya presiding over the hearing of their bail applications.
The MPs are accused of taking part in an unlawful assembly alongside several others, including Rubaga North Lord Councillor James Mubiru, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Councillor Ibra Ssemanda Wasswa, Shamim Nabakoza, Brian Mungu, Emmanuel Mukisa, Sharon Kemigisha, and Ben Ntale Mukisa.
In addition to the assembly charges, Zaake faces separate charges of disobedience of lawful orders, careless or inconsiderate use of a motor vehicle, and driving without a valid permit. According to the prosecution, on July 22, 2024, at Makerere Kavule along Bombo Road in Kampala, Zaake drove a Nissan with registration number UBD 184C carelessly, obstructing the road and other users.
Zaake’s alleged offenses include disobedience of lawful orders, which carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment. Driving without a valid permit could result in a six-month jail term.
The prosecution claims that MPs Tebandeke, Kirumira, and their co-accused, on July 22, 2024, at Makerere Kavule, Kawempe Division in Kampala, assembled with the intent to carry out a common purpose. Their actions allegedly caused nearby residents to fear a breach of peace or provoked others to commit a breach of peace.
Regarding the charges against Zaake, the prosecution asserts that on the same date and location, Zaake drove without a valid license and failed to stop when signaled by a uniformed police officer.
| Accused | Allegations | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Zaake | Unlawful Assembly, Disobedience of Lawful Orders, Careless Driving, No Valid Permit | Drove Nissan UBD 184C carelessly, no valid license, did not stop for police |
| Charles Tebandeke | Unlawful Assembly | Participated in assembly causing fear of breach of peace |
| Hassan Kirumira | Unlawful Assembly | Participated in assembly causing fear of breach of peace |
| James Mubiru, Ibra Wasswa, Shamim Nabakoza, Brian Mungu, Emmanuel Mukisa, Sharon Kemigisha, Ben Ntale Mukisa | Unlawful Assembly | Participated in assembly causing fear of breach of peace |
The hearing will determine whether the MPs will be granted bail as they await further legal proceedings. The outcome of this case is anticipated with interest, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the charges involved.
