Sejusa aides verdict deferred to February 16

Judgment of the six aides of former Coordinator of Military Intelligence, Gen. David Sejusa, who are charged with treason, aiding and abetting in recruiting soldiers to overthrow government has been deferred to February 16.

The General Court Martial chairman, Maj. Gen Levi Karuhanga on Thursday postponed the judgment after his legal advisor Gideon Kattinda told court that it was not ready.
           
The accused are: Cpl. Grace Nasasira, Cpl. Geoffrey Karuhanga, Pte Frank Ninsiima, James Karuhanga Nayebare, Moses Kakarugahi Nuwagaba and Abel Twinamtsiko.

They have spent over two years on remand at Kigo Prisons and Makindye Military Police.

"Ninsiima and your colleagues, your case has been adjourned because the judgment is not ready," Karuhanga said.

Last year, the accused declined to defend themselves against the charges after court ruled that prosecution had proved a prima facie case against them.

A prima facie case is established where court basing on the evidence adduced by the prosecution would convict, if the defence is not given by the accused person(s).  

Lawyer David Mushabe represents the accused.

On April 21, 2015, court concurred with prosecution that indeed Ninsiima travelled to Makajjo - Mityana to understand the problems causing desertions in UPDF, an assignment allegedly from Sejusa to Nayebare who re-assigned it to Ninsiima.

General David Sejusa in the dock at the General Court Martial on Tuesday February 9, 2016. Photo/ Roderick Ahimbazwe

Prosecution led by Moses Buwaso alleges that the accused in March and May 2013 in Mityana and Kampala, "consciously failed to disclose to proper authorities vital information about the recruitment of people to engage in activities intended to overthrow the Ugandan government."

In its final submissions, prosecution prayed that all the accused should be found guilty because they opted not to rebut the seven prosecution evidence denying or giving court explanation of the evidence adduced.

In his response, Mushabe prayed that all his clients be found innocent and set free, saying all prosecution evidences were inundated with falsehoods, hearsay, corruption and inconsistencies.

According to court documents, the first prosecution witness Cpl. Sam Rwija testified that some of the accused attended a 3-hour secret meeting which included Pte Ninsiima where information came that Sejusa had promised a lot of money to whoever will join him.

Mushabe submitted that it was evident that Rwija never mentioned from whom and how he got this promise of ‘a lot of money'. He adds that this evidence left to guess who might have made such communication.

Other prosecution witnesses were Cpt Jotham Kagili, Cpt Ronald Mugume, Sgt James Muhanguzi, Capt Albert Kashakamba, ASP Emmanuel Benon Ayebare, and Maj Herbert Nabimanya.