The army has issued a warning to legislators affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), urging them to avoid what it describes as disrespectful behavior witnessed during a court-martial session on Monday, April 15, 2024.
According to Felix Kulayigye, the army spokesperson, during the session held at Makindye, there were disruptive actions from some members of the audience, including Members of Parliament and the accused individuals present, which the army deemed as contemptuous acts against the court-martial.
The disruptions occurred following the decision of the General Court Martial (GCM), presided over by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, to deny bail to certain suspects based on the severity of the charges against them.
In response, Kulayigye strongly condemned the acts of hooliganism, stressing the importance of respecting the sanctity of the court at all times. He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated, and the army would request legal action against those involved.
The General Court Martial, in its ruling, rejected the bail application for the suspects, citing the need to expedite their trial and bring the matter to a conclusion. Six witnesses have already testified in the case.
Brig. Gen. Mugabe stated that the court found no merit in the bail application and dismissed it, while also ordering a swift trial for the applicants, who are purportedly associated with a rebel group known as Bali Bali. These individuals have been in remand for nearly three years across various prisons.
Mugabe also noted that the applicants failed to demonstrate fixed places of abode within the court’s jurisdiction, raising concerns about the possibility of them fleeing if granted bail.
Among the accused individuals are Rashid Sseguja, Muhydin Kakooza, Yasin Ssekitoleko, Mesach Kiwanuka, Abudallah Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Ibrahim Wandera, Albert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Jimmy Galukande, Olivia Lutaya, Davis Mafabi, Abdallah Gibusiwa, Livingstone Katushabe, Swaibu Katabi, Siraji Mudebo, Joseph Muganza, and Stanley Lwanga.
The charges against them include treachery, as outlined in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005, and unlawful possession of ammunition under the Firearms Act Cap 299. Treachery carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction, while unlawful possession of ammunition can lead to a 10-year jail term.
The prosecution alleges that between March and May 2021, the accused engaged in war-like activities against the Government of Uganda as part of the Bali Bali group. They are accused of recruiting, training, and detonating explosive devices in various cities, posing a threat to national security.
The hearing for this case is set to resume on May 6, where further proceedings will take place.
