Court directs Kitatta's lawyers to file defence
Nov 20, 2018
The BodaBoda 2010 Association patron's lawyers told court that they intend to make oral submissions in which they intend to show their client is innocent
The army court has directed the lawyers of BodaBoda 2010 Association patron Abdallah Kittata to file a written defence in which they say their client has no case to answer.
This followed the closure of prosecution evidence, in which four witnesses testified against Kitatta and 12 others.
The other accused persons are Sowali Ngobi, Amon Twinomujuni, Matia Ssenfuka, Hassan Sebatta, Jonathan Kayondo, Hassan Ssegoba, Sunday Ssemwogerere, John Sebandeke, Hussein Mugema, Fred Bwanika and Ibrahim Ssekajja.
"The matter was fixed for further hearing but we found it necessary to close our case because the remaining witnesses were no longer essential because they have the same evidence the court already heard," Maj. Raphael Mugisha from the prosecution told court.
Kitatta's lawyer led by Sanywa Shaban told court that they intend to make oral submissions in which they intend to show their client is innocent.
Kitatta's other lawyer Emmanuel Turyomwe said: "this was anticipated and it is so sad that the accused have spent another two weeks on remand waiting for the last witness to testify against them."
Kitatta with his co-accused in court. Photo by Meddie Musisi
This prompted court chairman Lt Gen. Andrew Gutti to direct Kitatta's lawyers to file their defence by Friday this week and serve it to the prosecution team, who will respond to it on Monday next week.
Kittata, who arrived in court at about 9:00am under tight security, appeared unwell and was being supported by his co-accused to walk.
Kitatta has also got a personal doctor only identified as Dr Kasirye, but has never had access to him while at Makindye Military barracks, according to Kitatta's lawyers.
Kitatta and his co-accused were indicted for illegally possessing firearms, live ammunitions and military gear which are the monopoly of the Uganda People's Defence Forces.
The military equipment includes two pistols, SMG rifle and 50 rounds of ammunition for the firearms.
Kitatta separately faces five counts of being in unlawful possession of an SMG gun, 3 pistols and 50 rounds of live ammunitions that prosecution states were found with him on January 18, 2018 at Vine Hotel in Wakaliga.