Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has once again been denied bail by Buganda Road Court. The former Security Minister and now Presidential Contender is to spend will have to spend more weeks in jail until the hearing comes up again on 6th May 2020 at City Hall Courts, Kampala.
Tumukunde who is facing charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms of illegal told court that, “Your Worship I’m being held incommunicado. I cannot access my lawyers. I have no access to my doctors, wife or family members. Your Worship you know very well that I cannot fully function without access to my people. At least I need access to my lawyers such that I can instruct them on what to do.”
High Court presiding judge Wilson Kwesigwa, in his reply said that “Due to the current COVID-19 lockdown there is nothing we can do currently. Until we receive other directives, you shall have to bear with the current situation…” He further added that, “..because of that, your matter has been adjourned until May 6th, 2020 when it will come up for mention at the City Hall Court, Kampala.”
Gen Tumukunde, who was on March 18, arrested on charges of treason and illegal possession of weapons, through his lawyers insisted that he be granted bail on grounds that he is a law abiding citizen and a presidential aspirant who needs time to consult.
However, prosecution insisted that releasing the General on bail would interfere with investigations and threaten national security.
Prosecution states that that on 5th day of March 2020 at Impala Avenue Kololo in Kampala, Gen Tumukunde was found in possession a modified AK 47 rifle and a Star pistol without valid firearm certificates.
Mr. Tumukunde’s woes are connected to statements he uttered on NBS Television on 5th March where is alleged to have said “If I was Rwandan, I would support those who want to cause change in Uganda.” These utterances and the illegal possession of fire arms have played a part in his forced stay in jail.
