Kirumira snubs court, judgement again not delivered

PIC: Former Buyende district Police commander, Muhammad Kirumira cast a resilient figure at the entrance of the Police headquarters. He asked journalists who had been blocked from attending his  court proceedings by Police to enter saying that he was not about to be tried without the presence of the press. (Credit: Badru Katumba)

POLICE | COURT                                  

KAMPALA - Drama ensued at Police headquarters in Naguru, as embattled former Buyende district commander ASP Mohammad Kirumira declined to attend court without the presence of journalists.

The court was set to deliver judgement in a case, in which former Buyende District Police Commander; Mohammad Kirumira is accused of corrupt practice and unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.

The police tribunal is being presided over by Dennis Odwong Odongpiny.

Kirumira arrived at Police headquarters at about 10:10am aboard a black saloon car, accompanied by relatives.

Upon reaching the gate, he demanded to know why journalists had been denied access to the court premises and he forcefully opened the gate and instructed journalists to follow him, causing commotion.

Thereafter, Journalists entered the premises, as police blocked them. Kirumira later drove away, saying since police has closed the door to the court, he could not force himself in.

“Why are they not allowing journalists from covering police cases? This is injustice,” Kirumira shouted.

He told police officers to contact him when need arises.

Initially, 28 charges mainly of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority and corrupt practice were brought against Kirumira. But Police gradually dropped the charges that did not have sufficient evidence.