Bigirwa,co-accused remanded over demonstration at Parliament

The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court has further remanded former Democratic Party youth leader Moses Bigirwa and four others over public incitement and assault.

Yesterday state attorney Peter Mugisha rejected their bail application saying that, they did not tell court how they and their families' welfare would be affected if they are not released on bail.

"No ground whatsoever adduced by accused can certify court to release them on bail. I pray that the application is dismissed." He said.Mugisha also asked court to consider and balance the needs of the society which should be protected from lawlessness.

He also asked court to find the sureties presented by the accused including Makindye Ssabagabo MP Kigozi Ssempala alias Ssajjalyabene not substantial because their introduction letters does not show their purposes.Mugisha further asked Court to deny them bail, saying that although they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by state, bail is not automatic.

He also informed Court that investigations in the matter are complete and the state is committed to carry out a speedy trial instead of releasing the accused on bail.  
The court was presided over by grade one Magistrate Joan Aciro.

In reply Richard Lumu who represents the accused asked Court to find the sureties' substantial since tendered in court their original national Identity Cards, which he said is the primary identification in the country.

The court also rejected city lawyer and Democratic Party spokesperson Kenneth Paul Kakande to represent the accused on grounds that he is not part of the legal team that was filed in Court to represent the accused and a notice of his inclusion wasn't filled.

Bigirwa, 32, was charged last Friday together with Allan Kitonsa, Juma Kayondo, Harunah Nsibuka and Hakim Kizza Saula. It is alleged that on September 14, 2016 at the parliamentary main gate in Kampala, the accused without lawful excuse made statements calculated to incite violence against the public.

It further alleges that on the same day, they also assaulted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Benson Ombworoh.They were demonstrating over Nakifuuma MP Kafeero Ssekitoleko proposal to amend the age limit for judges. The proposal has since been suspended by the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga.

Youth particularly from DP attended the court in big numbers to follow the proceedings.Meanwhile the same Court has also remanded Joseph Lukwago and Ferdinand Lutta over being common nuisance and cruelty charges.

The charges stems from the recent dumping of the painted piglets at parliamentary main gate. They will be produced back in Court on September 23 when the court is expected to decide whether or not to release them on bail.