By Michael Odeng
Bubulo West MP, Tony Kipoi Nsubuga has applied for bail in the High Court in respect of the terrorism charges against him.
He appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road on Tuesday.
The legislator’s lawyers, led by Michael Okecha, argued that the Anti-Terrorism Act under which their client was charged, provides that the trial and bail in respect of the terrorism charge must be done in the High Court and not in the Chief Magistrates Court.
Okecha claimed that Kipoi’s fresh kidnap charges for allegedly holding a South African couple at his own apartment was staged by government.
The MP was charged for kidnaping 45-year-old Dedre Marx and her husband Willie Nel, 38.
“There is no way a person is in prison and at the same time kidnaps captives [sic]. Government is getting a way of keeping him in prison,” his lawyer reasoned.
Kipoi and seven other soldiers were Tuesday summoned to Buganda Road Court before trial chief magistrate Sylvia Nabaggala to answer charges of terrorism.
Nabaggala however adjourned the case for mention after the state submitted that investigations were still ongoing.
Prosecution alleges that the legislator has been recruiting personnel from Ugandan security as well as Congolese rebels belonging to COGAI, a rebel group based in Bunia in Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prosecution also claims that Kipoi had promised to support the rebel groups with fire arms.
It is also alleged that the Bubulo West MP has foreign sponsors, but they are yet to be named. Police are also investigating Kipoi on allegations of trafficking narcotic drugs.
His personal assistant was arrested Uganda-Kenyan border of Busia with narcotic drugs, to which he pleaded guilty and was fined sh1 million. Kipoi cleared the fine.
Recently, the army said the Allied Democratic Front rebels led by Jamil Mukulu, who is now on the wanted list of Interpol on terror charges, were mobilizing in eastern DRC to carry out attacks on Uganda.
Kipoi was sent back to Luzira prison on treason charges until he will be brought back to court.
The terrorism court case was adjourned to February, 12 2013 for further mention.
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