Stella Nyanzi's driver faces two years in jail

CRIME | POLICE | JUSTICE 

KAMPALA - Dr. Stella Nyanzi's driver, Badru Kasule could face two years in jail if convicted of assaulting a police officer who was executing his duty.

Kasule 34, a driver, residing at Kasubi, Rubaga division in Kampala district was on Thursday charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of his duty, an act contrary to section 238 (b) of the Penal Code Act.

Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate, Dorothy Bagyenyi read him the charges which he denied.

Under the law, anyone, who assaults, resists, or wilfully obstructs any police officer in the due execution of his or her duty, or any person acting in aid of such office, commits a misdemeanour and is liable to two years' imprisonment on conviction.

On denying the charge, the prosecution led by Ivan Kyazze informed the court that investigations were complete, entreating court for a hearing date.

"Your worship, we are done with investigations. We, therefore, pray that a hearing date is slated," Kyazze said.

(L-R) Defence lawyer Gawaya Tegulle, Dr. Stella Nyanzi, Junior Matovu, and music promoter Bajjo listening to court proceedings

 
However, the defence counsel, Gawaya Tegulle invited the court to grant the accused bail saying he had substantial sureties, adding that it would not be proper and safe to remand the latter to prison since the court did not know his COVID-19 status, which may be a threat to inmates.

"We pray that the accused is given a non-cash bail due to the financial constraints brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

We also seek the court to compel the prosecution to disclose to us in time so that we prepare for the accused's defence since their investigations are complete," Tegulle said.

This prompted the court to grant the accused a non-cash bail of sh500, 000 and his two sureties were bonded sh1m, not cash and the case was adjourned to June 22, 2020.

"I find the accused's sureties substantial; he is hereby released on sh500, 000 and his sureties, sh1m, all not cash. The sureties' national identity cards should remain with the court until the conclusion of the case," Bagyenyi said as she adjourned the case.

The prosecution asserts that on May 18, 2020, at Buganda Road in the Kampala district, the accused assaulted SP Jackeline Aceng, who was at that time acting in the due execution of her duties.