Gen. Bamuze denies fleeing the country

By Mary Karugaba

Former Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF) leader Gen. Ali Bamuze, has distanced himself from a group of people arrested for allegedly planning to over throw the Government.

 Former rebel fighters and UPDF veterans are among 53 people who have been charged with treason and concealment of treason on Friday at the Buganda Road Magistrate’s court. The rebel suspects included a woman, teachers, peasants, mechanics and scrap dealers

In a statement to the security minister Muruli Mukasa, Bamuze said he is fully committed to serving President Yoweri Museveni's Government and has no intentions of waging war against the Government.

"I have nothing to do and I have never been involved with any group which intends to overthrow government ever since I signed the peace agreement with the Government," he said.

The former rebel fighters are linked to the Uganda National Rescue Front/Army (UNRF/A), the West Nile Bank Front and the Lord’s Resistance Army. They were arrested recently in Masindi, Kiryandongo, Soroti, Gulu, Kitgum, Wakiso, Kampala, Busia, Nebbi, Zombo, Gulu, Arua, Buikwe and Pakwach districts.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects, between 2010 to date, plotted to topple the Ugandan government by use of firearms in various places within the country and in Kisumu, Kenya.

The State claims that the suspects held meetings and carried out recruitment of various individuals to topple the Government.

It also claims the suspects mobilized funds and acquired firearms they intended to use to remove the Government.

It also states that the suspects obtained information about the planned overthrow of the Government from the commander of UNRF/A, but they did not bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities in their respective areas.

Nabagala informed the suspects that her court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case and advised them to apply for bail in the High Court. The suspects, who were ferried to court in two police buses, were remanded until April 5.