Kabamba suspects reject second prosecution witness

By Michael Odeng

Fourteen Kabamba suspects who are accused of attacking a military barracks in Mubende district with intentions of overthrowing government have rejected a prosecution witness on grounds of his alleged criminal record.

The suspects, through their lawyer, Jude Mbabaali on Tuesday asked the General Court Martial presided over by chairman, Maj. Gen. Levi Karuhanga, to disregard the evidence of witness, Sgt. Steven Gaka, saying it is false.

Last Friday, the suspects also rejected Lance Corporal Norman Ssembatya as a prosecution witness, saying he was involved in armed robbery at Orient Bank Jinja branch in 2011 where he disarmed the guards and strangled one of the female workers to near death.

They also asked court to temporarily halt hearing of Gaka’s testimony on grounds that he was arrested and remanded to Kigo Prison with them (suspects). They further claim that the witness was promised to be set free when he testifies against them.

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Kabamba suspects: Solomon Matovu (2ndL) and Peter Kibirige arrive at General Court Martial Makindye escorted by military police on 4th Nov. 2014. PHOTO/Peter BUSOMOKE

They also allege that the witness possesses two passports, which is unlawful, and that he came to court with no movement order from prison where he is being remanded.

Meanwhile, drama ensued in court when a new witness who was paraded in court to testify against the suspects was not allowed by the defence team on grounds that he was not on the list of witness that was presented by the state at the start of trial.

“Please put this witness on record because it will be like the court is promoting the abuse of the constitution which it has to protect, “Mbabaali added.

State prosecutor Major Fredrick Kangwamu objected defence’s request, saying that their complaints should be raised during cross examination period since there is no formal application challenging the credibility of the witnesses.

However, Mbabaali promised to serve the state with a copy of an affidavit stopping Gaka from testifying as a second prosecution witness when court resumes on January 23.

Prosecution led by Major Fredrick Kangwamu alleges that the suspects between September 2013 and May 2014 in various districts in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya consciously omitted to disclose vital information to the army authorities about the recruitment of people to engage into activities to prejudice the security of UPDF and preparations to attack Armored Warfare Training School (AWTS) in Mubende district.

Prosecution further alleges that during the same period the suspects aided LT.COL. Phillip Frank Eguma, LF.  Ronald Waibi Mwavu to prejudice the security of the defence by preparing AWTS in Mubende district.

The suspects include Lt.Phillip Frank Eguma, Pte Kenneth Ssekajja, Capt. Halman Ba, Lt. Ronald Mwavu, Sgt. Nduga Musaazi, Nasim Namuzimuule, Marvin Ssemwogerere Kato, John Lumala Salongo, Patrick Kibuuka, Solomon Matovu, Peter Kibirige, Herbert Biyimbwa, Ali Mukiibi and Francis Kiwanuka

The suspects include five UPDF soldiers and nine civilians including one woman.


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