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 the Police headquarters in Naguru on Tuesday, as embattled former Buyende district commander ASP Muhammad Kirumira declined to attend court without the presence of journalists.

The court was set to deliver judgement in a case in which 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 10:00am local time 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, before forcefully opened the gate.

He then instructed journalists to follow him, causing commotion.

Thereafter, reporters entered the premises but were blocked by Police.

Kirumira later drove away, saying since Police had 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.