Bukenya political career safe - experts

Legal experts have said that former Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya’s political career is still safe despite being remanded to Luzira prison. 

 

In June Bukenya was charged before the Anti-corruption Court over the botched procurement of executive vehicles for use during the Commonwealth Summit in 2007.

 

It’s alleged that Bukenya as Vice President and chairman of the Chogm Cabinet subcommittee unlawfully and high handedly in abuse of his office, influenced and directed the award of a contract for supply BMW vehicles to Motorcare in total disregard of the regulations governing public procurement. 

 

City lawyer and former President of the Uganda Law Society, Oscar Kihika commented that being remanded did not mean Bukenya was guilty.

 

“It (political career) would only be in trouble if you have been convicted. Then he would risk losing his seat. But he is innocent until proven guilty,” Kihika explained.

 

“I expect his lawyers will apply for bail giving reasons and I don’t think the judge will object because it’s his constitutional right. It (trial) is still in early stages. From a lay man’s view its sensational but from the legal point it’s still early.”

 

Kihika emphasized: “It doesn’t have an effect on his political career. The voters were confident to vote for him. It (remanding him) doesn’t have an effect on his political career; atleast not in our democracy. His is fortunate. In other democracies, being charged alone makes you resign.”

 

“However, I think that is unfair… if court of public opinion feels (you are guilt) before trial. Its unconstitutional. If he is declared guilty, that’s another thing,” Kihika explains.