Suspected rebels sent back to Luzira Prison

By Pascal Kwesiga           

Fifty-three suspected rebels facing treason charges will remain in jail for another two weeks after the Magistrates Court remanded them again.

The suspects who include men as old as 60 years have been sent back to Luzira Prison on remand until April 20 when their case will come up for further mention in court.

The accused persons who were charged with treason and concealment of treason are linked to Uganda National Rescue Front Army, West Nile Bank Front and Lord Resistance Army rebel organizations.

Some of the suspects are former rebel fighters and UPDF veterans while others are teachers, mechanics, scrap dealers and peasants.

Buganda road chief magistrate, Silvia Nabagala remanded them on Thursday again after prosecution said inquiries were still ongoing.

Nabagala advised them to seek bail through the high court, if they want, because her court lacks powers to try and hear their bail application given the nature of charges they are facing.

The suspects were arrested recently in Masindi, Kiryandongo, Soroti, Gulu, Kitgum, Wakiso, Kampala, Busia, Nebbi, Zombo, Gulu, Arua, Bwikwe and Pakwach districts.

The state alleges that the suspects between 2010 and to-date plotted to topple the government by use of fire arms in various places within the country and in the western town of Kenya, Kisumu.

It also claims that the accused persons held meetings and carried out recruitment of various individuals to overthrow the government.

Furthermore, the suspects reportedly mobilized funds and acquired fire arms that they intended to use to remove the government.

It also states that the suspects between 2010 and to-date obtained information about the planned overthrow of the government by the commander of Uganda National Rescue Front but they did not bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities in their respective areas.