Erias Lukwago, Kampala Capital City Authority Lord Mayor has been charged with offenses connected to the death of John Michael Ariong, an assistant Inspector of Police. Lukwago appeared this morning before Fred Balintuma, the Buganda Court Grade one Magistrate. He was charged with managing unlawful assembly with the purpose of inciting members of the public against police and disturbance of law and order.
Patricia Chingtho, the state prosecutor told court that on March 21 between Kafumbe Mukasa, Namirembe, Kampala, Mini Price and Ben Kiwanuka roads, Lukwago managed an unlawful assembly leading to the death of Ariong and injuring two other cops Julius Olwenyi, and another officer only identified as Wabwire. Ariong was hit on the head with a blunt object leading to his death. Lukwago pleaded not guilty to the charges and applied for court bond which was granted. Balintuma granted him a non cash bond of shillings 10 million.
His two sureties Mathias Mpuuga, Masaka Municipality MP and his Rukungiri Municipality counterpart Roland Mugume executed none cash bond of shillings 50 million. Balintuma asked both legislators to ensure that Lukwago appears in court whenever he is needed. He ordered Lukwago to return to court on May 15th, when his case will come up for mention.
Dr Kizza Besigye, the FDC Leader, Kawempe Division mayor Haji Mubarak Munyangwa, FDC Woman leader Ingrid Turinawe and Kampala Woman MP Nabilah Naggayi Ssempala were also charged in the same court on similar charges on March 28th and released on a non cash bail of Shs20m. 10 others members of the banned Activists for Change-A4C were charged with the murder of Ariong and remanded to Luzira prison.
