Kasibante lawyers demand case conclusion

By Andante Okanya  

Lawyers representing Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante in the case where he is accused of holding an illegal assembly, and damaging a Police car, have demanded that the state concludes the case without any further delays.

Lawyers Peter Ssebyuma and Shifra Lukwago, together with Kasibante and his co-accused John Lukaaga Tuesday appeared at Buganda Road Court in court presided by chief magistrate Eleanor Khainza. The lawyers complained that the accused were being inconvenienced by the numerous adjournments prompted by the state prosecution.

"We pray that the state helps us to know the remaining witnesses. This will help us handle the matter expeditiously,"Ssebyuma said.

However, the prosecutor Nelly Asiku, asked for an adjournment, noting that the last state witness would be the investigations officer. His name was not mentioned, which is in line with statutory provisions of witness protection. Accordingly, the magistrate adjourned to July 25.

Kasibante, together with his co-accused, a Rubaga Division councilor, allegedly committed the crimes on May 16 last year at Nakulabye roundabout in Kampala.

Prosecution led by Nelly Asiku, alleges that the duo together with others still at large, without lawful excuse, incited other persons to an act of violence for political reasons. The duo's lawyer is Peter Ssebyuma. The trial is presided by Chief Magistrate Eleanor Khainza.

In addition, it is alleged that on the same day and place, the duo together with others still at large, unlawfully assembled with intent to carry out some common purpose, and conducted themselves in such a manner to "cause persons in the neighbourhood to reasonably fear".

It is further alleged that on the same day and place, the duo plus others still at large, maliciously damaged the front wind shield of Police car registration number UP 2565.

Prior, state witnesses testified that Kasibante was part of the agitated crowd that kept on chanting 'twakoowa' literally meaning 'we  are fed up', while Kasibante  made a rallying cry, saying "the time is now, the time has come".

However, none has adduced evidence to indicate that Kasibante and his co-accused, hurled stones at cops.