Tumukunde starts defence
May 25, 2006
FORMER Internal Security Organisation (ISO) chief Brig. Henry Tumukunde has started defending himself at the General Court Martial against charges of abuse of office.
By Maurice Okore
FORMER Internal Security Organisation (ISO) chief Brig. Henry Tumukunde has started defending himself at the General Court Martial against charges of abuse of office. Tumukunde, who is represented by city lawyer Oscar Kambona, began his defence yesterday before the army court chaired by Gen. Elly Tumwine.
This follows his acquittal three weeks ago of charges of causing financial loss of sh300m to the Government by allegedly inflating the army payroll with 650 non-existent soldiers when he was the 4th Division chief in Gulu in 2001.
Yesterday’s session was held in camera and Tumukunde’s lawyer declined to comment on the case.
“We are not yet through. The case is still going on,†Kambona said when asked by journalists and Tumukunde’s relatives about what transpired in the courtroom.
After the session, Tumukunde was returned under heavy military escort to the Senior Officers Mess in Kololo, where he is being held.
He returns to court on May 30 to wrap up his defence.
It is alleged that Tumukunde abused his office when he failed to ascertain the strength of the forces as 4th division commander in 2001.
The army officer is also accused of spreading harmful propaganda.
Under that charge, prosecutors allege that Tumukunde claimed that the army leadership blocked him from retiring when he was hosted for a talk-show on CBS radio and on Radio One hosted by David Mushabe.
Tumukunde is among the 28 army officers who were put on trial for allegedly swindling over sh1b through the creation of ghost soldiers.
The other senior officers who were charged in connection with ghost soldiers include Maj. Gen Kazini and Brigadiers Henry Tumukunde, Steven Hashaka, Nakibus Lakara, Col. Poteli Kivuna and Col. Mark Kodili and Col. Andrew Gutti (now Brigadier).
Ends
FORMER Internal Security Organisation (ISO) chief Brig. Henry Tumukunde has started defending himself at the General Court Martial against charges of abuse of office. Tumukunde, who is represented by city lawyer Oscar Kambona, began his defence yesterday before the army court chaired by Gen. Elly Tumwine.
This follows his acquittal three weeks ago of charges of causing financial loss of sh300m to the Government by allegedly inflating the army payroll with 650 non-existent soldiers when he was the 4th Division chief in Gulu in 2001.
Yesterday’s session was held in camera and Tumukunde’s lawyer declined to comment on the case.
“We are not yet through. The case is still going on,†Kambona said when asked by journalists and Tumukunde’s relatives about what transpired in the courtroom.
After the session, Tumukunde was returned under heavy military escort to the Senior Officers Mess in Kololo, where he is being held.
He returns to court on May 30 to wrap up his defence.
It is alleged that Tumukunde abused his office when he failed to ascertain the strength of the forces as 4th division commander in 2001.
The army officer is also accused of spreading harmful propaganda.
Under that charge, prosecutors allege that Tumukunde claimed that the army leadership blocked him from retiring when he was hosted for a talk-show on CBS radio and on Radio One hosted by David Mushabe.
Tumukunde is among the 28 army officers who were put on trial for allegedly swindling over sh1b through the creation of ghost soldiers.
The other senior officers who were charged in connection with ghost soldiers include Maj. Gen Kazini and Brigadiers Henry Tumukunde, Steven Hashaka, Nakibus Lakara, Col. Poteli Kivuna and Col. Mark Kodili and Col. Andrew Gutti (now Brigadier).
Ends