Ex-ADF rebel leader Mukulu returns to court over treason case
In the last court session, Mukulu protested against terrorism charges, saying it was not part of the offences preferred against him when he was extradited from Tanzania in 2015.
Mukulu and the group are implicated in the murder of seven people, including Sheikh Abdukadir Muwaya and Sheik Yunus Abubaker Madangu. Muwaya was murdered on December 25, 2014, at Kavule LC1 in Mayuge district.
KAMPALA - The former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group leader, Jamil Mukulu is expected to return to the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court for the hearing of his treason case.
In the last court session, Mukulu protested against terrorism charges, saying it was not part of the offences preferred against him when he was extradited from Tanzania in 2015.
In his application, Mukulu, Muhamed Matovu and Omar Abdallah Mutuka argue that it is unfair, illegal and unconstitutional to charge and try them on offences of terrorism.
The trio contends that this amounts to infringement of their non-derrogable and other rights and freedoms.
Mukulu contends that during the proceedings leading to his extradition, former Attorney General Fredrick Ruhindi undertook to have him tried for only seven counts of murder but the same has since been violated.
“I feel unfairly treated and my trial cannot be fair where the Government undertakes to try me on only murder charges, then later turns around and includes terrorism and other charges,” Mukulu claims.
Mukulu and the group are implicated in the murder of seven people, including Sheikh Abdukadir Muwaya and Sheik Yunus Abubaker Madangu. Muwaya was murdered on December 25, 2014, at Kavule LC1 in Mayuge district.
Others killed were LC3 chairperson Tito Kwa, Julius Owori, police constable Muzamir Babale, special police constable Karim Tenywa and John Stephen Owori.
According to prosecution, the accused committed the offence between 2002 and 2015 in various districts, including Kampala, for purposes of influencing the Government or intimidating the public for political, religious, social or economic aim, and indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property.
The prosecution intends to rely on several exhibits including explosives, guns, ammunition, literature related to activities of ADF, car number plates and confession statements of some suspects during the trial.
In September 2019, Justice Eva Luswata who presided over the group’s pre-trial ruled that there was sufficient evidence to warrant their trial over the charges.
Consequently, she committed them to a panel of three justices for trial as required under the ICD court rules.