Nakawa Chief Magistrates, Charles Serubuga has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Major General Kale Kayihura to stop making public allegations that he has evidence pinning Ingrid Turinawe and two others facing treason charges.
The IGP has on several occasions through radio talk shows and news conferences made it public that he has audio recordings pinning Turinawe and other Action for Change (A4C) members organizing activities that would eventually overthrow the government.
The ruling came after Medard Sseggona and Fred Mpanga, the lawyers representing the suspects, complained that the IGP was making prejudicial statements in public without adducing the same in court. They argued that the rights of their clients were being violated by such statements. The lawyers sought a court order to refrain the Kayihura from making prejudicial comments in respect to the case in public.
The state led by Moses Musuda Solowoya still asked for more time to complete investigations. It says that it is committed to have the Ingrid Turinawe, Francis Mwijukye and Sam Mugumya tried in High Court as soon as the inquiries are complete.
Turinawe, Mwijukye and Mugumya are facing treason charges. Prosecution alleges that the trio between August and October 2011 at various places plotted to overthrow the government of Uganda. It is claimed that Turinawe, Mwijukye and Mugumya held meetings in Hoima, Wakiso and Mbarara among other places and planned to launch activities that would lead to the overthrow of the government by use of fire arms.
If convicted, the accused persons could serve a maximum sentence of death upon. They return to court on November 28th for mention of their case.
Dressed in similar African Kitenge shirts, Mwijukye and Mugumya left court while singing freedom songs. They chanted “we shall overcome someday” as they were led back to Luzira amid heavy deployment at the court premises.
Makerere and Kyambogo university students were this time not allowed to enter the court premises. Two weeks ago the students caused commotion disrupting business at the court as they demanded the unconditional release of the three accused persons.
