Col. Besigye’s Man Jailed Over Treason

Jul 30, 2002

Former Col. Kiiza Besigye campaigner in Kabale was yesterday charged with treason and remanded in Kigo Prisons that houses terrorist suspects, reports Maurice Okole.

Former Col. Kiiza Besigye campaigner in Kabale was yesterday charged with treason and remanded in Kigo Prisons that houses terrorist suspects, reports Maurice Okole.Denis Mamenero Rutabagira appeared before Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Vincent Mugabo but could not enter plea because court had no jurisdiction to try the case. Prosecution alleged the accused knowing about the plot failed to report it to lawful authorities. He allegedly recruited Aron Ojot, a former parliamentary elections campaign manager of James Opoka and Martin Bagazi from Mbarara into the Peoples Redemption Army, a rebel force fighting to overthrow the government. Ojot and Bagazi were allegedly recruited into the force after Opoka promised to send them for further studies in London. Rutabagira, 57, is the sixth Besigye supporter to be charged with treason.Opoka is a former Omoro County parliamentary candidate and an aide to Besigye who is in exile. He lost the elections to Jacob Oulanyah. and reportedly coordinates the PRA rebel recruitment exerciseRutabagira, who spoke through a translator and Opoka are also alleged to have received 40 guns from Joseph Kony, the Lords Resistance Army commander and were in the process of setting up a military camp in Pakwach.State prosecutor Rachael Wandeka told court that Rutabagira contravened the plot to overthrow the government on February 8, 2002 in various places of Kabale Mbarara, Kampala and Gulu districts.She said inquiries in the case were still going on. Rutabagira returns before the same court on August 13 for mention of his case.Ends

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