Three ADF suspects freed

Jun 27, 2009

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped treason charges against three Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

By Hillary Nsambu

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped treason charges against three Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.
The three are Yusuf Adyeri Tibihikirirwa, 41, from Nsorro village in Kabarole District, Mohamood Nagooba Sserwanga, 32, from Bwaise a Kampala suburb and Ahmed Twalib Ssengeendo, 35, a teacher of Islam from Bunamwaya in Wakiso District.

Justice Edmund Ssempa Lugayizi of the High Court released the suspects on Wednesday after the Principal State Attorney, Charles Kaamuli, told the court that the state was no longer interested in the case.

Noris Maranga, the lawyer who represented the men, did not object the decision to drop the charges.

The men, who were arrested in 2007, had originally appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court, which committed them to the High Court for trial in March 2008.

According to the state, all the men had earlier been charged with treason in 2005. In 2006 they were granted amnesty. However, according to prosecution, they resumed the rebel activities by recruiting for the ADF. They then rejoined the armed rebels operating in Mbarara, Kiruhura, Mukono, Busia, Ntungamo, Sembabule, Bugiri, Iganga and Kampala.

It is alleged that Sserwanga, who was the leader of Bwaise Masigid Salaf Mosque and Mahazi Uthman, who is still at large, were recruiting rebels from the mosque.

Sserwanga allegedly also sourced for funds to provide for the orphans and widows of the rebels who died.

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