Kabaziguruka declines to take plea again

Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka has once again declined to take plea at the Court Martial insisting that he does not recognize its jurisdiction to try civilians like him.

On Tuesday when Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, the chairman of the Court Martial at Makindye asked him to plead to the charges of offences relating to security and treachery (treason) preferred against him, he refused.

"Hon. Kabaziguruka have you heard the charges against you? Do you admit or deny the charges?" Lt. Gen. Gutti asked.

"Mr. Chairman I need a certified copy of your ruling because I intend to challenge your decision. I have also appealed against the High Court ruling. I will only take plea after the court of appeal judgment." Kabaziguruka responded.

However, this did not stop Gen. Gutti from entering the plea of not guilty against him.

When Kabaziguruka was arraigned at the GCM on June 28, 2016, he declined to plead to the charges on grounds that the court has no jurisdiction to try them.

He argued that he is a civilian who is not subjected to military law and that the offences against him were political and could not be accorded a fair trial since the President can convene it and the fact that its members also report to him.

Kabaziguruka faces the charges which carries a maximum penalty of death on conviction together with 25 soldiers.

Prosecution led by Maj. Raphael Mugisha told court that inquiries into the matter are still ongoing and asked court to adjourn the case to October 17 for further mention.

The accused were remanded to Makindye Military Barracks and Kigo Government Prison for civilians.

Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large between February and June 2016 at diverse places in Wakiso, Kampala and Luwero districts with intent to prejudice the security or interests of Uganda committed acts of treachery, infiltrated the UPDF and engaged themselves in war like activities against the government.

Prosecution further alleges that the accused and others still at large in the same months and places plotted to overthrow the government by use of force of arms.