The General Court Martial at Makindye in Kampala has once again refused bail to 28 individuals accused of involvement in bomb-related offenses. These suspects, who have been in custody for over three years, face charges of treachery and illegal possession of explosive devices.
The charges against the suspects carry severe penalties, including a possible death sentence for treachery and lengthy imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. The court, chaired by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, made the decision on Monday, April 15, 2024, citing concerns about the suspects’ residential stability within the court’s jurisdiction and the potential risk of absconding if granted bail.
Despite acknowledging the lengthy duration of their detention and the substantial sureties provided, the court deemed it necessary to deny bail to the accused. It emphasized the importance of an expeditious trial, ordering swift proceedings in the main case.
In response to the court’s ruling, the suspects’ legal representatives, Benjamin Katana and George Musisi, contested the decision, arguing that the accused had clearly indicated their fixed places of abode as required by the charge sheet. They expressed dissatisfaction with the grounds cited by the court for denying bail.
Among the accused are individuals such as Rashid Sseguja (Chairman Kakooza), Yasin Ssekitoleko (Machete), and Mesach Kiwanuka, along with several others. The applicants presented notable figures from the National Unity Platform (NUP), including Members of Parliament, as their sureties.
Following the denial of bail, one of the suspects, Muhydin Kakooza, attempted to attack the court chairman, Gen. Mugabe, but was restrained by Military Police court orderlies. Kakooza’s outburst resulted in him being sentenced to eight months on remand for contempt of court.
The prosecution, led by Lt Col Raphael Mugisha and Lt Alex Mukhwana, has accused the defendants of engaging in war-like activities against the Government of Uganda between March and May 2021. Allegations include recruitment, training, and the unlawful detonation of explosive devices in various cities, posing a threat to national security.
Additionally, the prosecution contends that the accused were in possession of explosive devices between November 2020 and May 12, 2021, further implicating them in activities prejudicial to national security.
