AG attacker: Police to send file to DPP

By David Lumu

Police said Sunday it would submit to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) the case file of detained activist Andrew Karamagi, who attacked the Attorney General during the celebration of the New Law Year at the High Court.

The Attorney General, Peter Nyombi, was giving a speech at the High Court during the celebrations to initiate lawyers into a New Year (2014-2015) on Friday when Karamagi approached his table, grabbed his speech and tore it apart.

A graduate of law from Uganda Christian University Mukono, Karamagi said the AG was not fit to speak before the so-called learned friends.

Moments later, Police grabbed the activist and carried him away.

Deputy police spokesperson, Patrick Oyango told New Vision that Karamagi, who is detained at Kampala Central Police Station, is locked away inside police cells on grounds of criminal trespass with intention to harm.

“He is here at CPS [Central Police Station], but tomorrow we shall forward his file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. He was detained for criminal trespass with intention to harm the Attorney General,” he said.

“The DPP can either amend the case or dismiss it. But, we shall forward the file tomorrow at 10a.m,” Onyango added.

Nicholas Opiyo, the Secretary of the Uganda Law Society, told New Vision that Karamagi is not a member of the conglomeration that brings advocates together and also regulates their practice.

“Andrew has not yet enrolled as an advocate of court. He is not a member of the Uganda Law Society and he cannot practice law in court,” he said.

Opiyo, however, underlined that Karamagi is a lawyer with a degree in law but not yet an advocate of court.

His classmate at UCU law school, Onyait Odeke, told New Vision that Karamagi is a good debater, who represented UCU at the national debating competitions and also the country at the Pan African championships.

Karamagi works with the Human Rights and peace Centre (HURIPEC) based at Makerere University.