Kabamba 'attackers' to spend Xmas in jail

By Andrew Ssenyonga

KAMPALA – The hearing of a court case in which 14 people are accused of attacking an army encampment flopped after the defense lead lawyer failed to show up.

The suspects are five Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) officers and civilians, who include one female.

They deny charges of attacking Kabamba military barracks in Mubende district in May this year.

Although the army court was filled for the Wednesday hearing, their lawyer Jude Mbabali did not appear and instead wrote a letter to the General Court Martial chairman.

He gave death in family as reason for his absence.

He wrote: “I am very sorry I will not be part of the session today [Wednesday] because I have lost my parent and I have to be present for the burial arrangements.”
 

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The lawyer also asked court to adjourn the matter until January next year when he would have time to proceed.

It is understood he had written the notice the evening before the scheduled hearing.

As by his request, the army court chairman Levi Karuhanga pushed the proceedings to January 14.

Meanwhile, the accused were remanded to Kigo Prisons in Wakiso district until then – and will have to spend the festive season behind bars.

They, together with others still at large, are accused of engaging in activities intended to undermine the security of the army by attacking the armoured warfare barracks in Mubende district.

The suspects including Lt.Phillip Frank Eguma, Pte Kenneth Ssekajja, Capt Halman Ba, Lt. Ronald Mwavu, Sgt. Nduga Musaazi, Nasim Namuzimuule (female), Marvin Ssemwogerere Kato, John Lumala Salongo, Patrick Kibuuka, Solomon Matovu, Peter Kibirige, Herbert Biyimbwa, Ali Mukiibi and Francis Kiwanuka.

In court, they were read offences related to security and aiding the commission of offences.