Court hears Kabaziguruka's protest case

PIC:Leader of opposition Winnie Kiiza and FDC deputy spokesperson Horald Kaija talking to Nakawa Member of Parliament Michael Kabaziguruka at High Court on August 26, 2016. Photos/ Meddie Musisi

THE hearing of a case in which the jailed Nakawa MP Michael Andrew Kabaziguruka is challenging his trial at Army court is on at the Civil Division of the High court in Kampala.
 
Kabaziguruka petitioned the High Court last month claiming his right to a free and fair trial will be curtailed at the General Court Martial. He says the court is not independent since it is subject to the direction and control by the President, the Chairman of the High Command.
 

The MP wants the High Court- Civil division to issue an order quashing his trial before the General Court Martial at Makindye, and set him free. He argues he is a civilian who is not subject to Military law.
 
At about 9:00 am, the prisons authorities at Kigo produced him in court in compliance with the presiding judge Patricia Basaza.
 
Basaza ordered government to produce Kabaziguruka in court following a plea by his lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuzi.
 
Leader of the opposition Winnie Kizza and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago were among the people present in court to observe the proceedings.
 

Nakawa MP, Michael Kabaziguruka(C) at High Court on August 26, 2016.

 
The army court alleges that Kabaziguruka and 22 others contrived a plot to overthrow the government of Uganda by infiltrating the defence forces and consorting with soldiers to engage themselves in war-like activities.
 
Prosecution at the General Court Martial further says that the accused did all the above with an intention to prejudice the security of Uganda's defence forces.
 
The offences are alleged to have been committed between February and June in various places of Kampala, Wakiso and Luwero districts.

Leader of opposition Winnie Kiiza and Busiro East MP, Merdad Segona talking to Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka