Sejusa aides have a case to answer, court rules

By Michael Odeng and Barbra Kabahumuza 

SIX aides of Gen. David Sejusa have been found to have a case to answer over attempts to overthrow government by the General Court Martial.

This means that the accused will defend themselves against the case of treason and aiding and abetting treason.

They include lance corporal Grace Nasasira, Geoffrey Karuhanga, Private Frank Ninsiima, James Nayebare Karuhanga, Moses Nuwagaba Kakarugahi and Abel Twinamatsiko.

The court chairman, Maj. Gen Levi Karuhanga based his decision on testimonies of seven prosecution witnesses that all pinned the accused persons over the act.

Karuhanga said prosecution had proved that the accused contrived a plan to overthrow the government of Uganda by force of arms but consciously neglected to report the plan to the proper authorities.

Karuhanga also said prosecution adduced evidence showing that the accused procured or counseled persons to be recruited to participate in the overthrow of the government.

"This court finds that a prima facie case has been made against the accused persons and accordingly puts them on their defence," Karuhanga ruled.  Karuhanga passed the verdict before relatives and friends of the accused who had jammed court.

The accused were on May 28, 2013 charged with treachery and aiding and abetting commissioning of offences contrary to the Uganda's Peoples' Defence Act (UPDF) 2005. They have so far spent over two years on remand at Kigo Prison and Makindye military barracks respectively.

Karuhanga ruled that prosecution had adduced essential evidence to prove the offences of treachery and aiding and abetting commission of offences against the accused persons, which evidence he said has not been discredited during cross examination or rendered so unreliable.