UPC officials in court over trespassing into Uganda House

By Michael Odeng

FIFTEEN members of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) including Lira Municipality MP, Jimmy Akena and three other MPs are expected to appear before Buganda Road Court to answer charges of trespass and forceful entry into Uganda House.

The other MPs are Apac district woman MP Betty Amongi, Maruzi County MP, Maxwell Akora and Kole County MP, Fred Ebil. The other suspects include Higenyi Kemba, Tom Omino, Richard Angweri, Patrick Mwondha, Night Kulabako, Gideon Akomu, Kallen Mugizi, Brenda Atim, Fahad Kilyiri, Patrick Aroma and Josephine Babirye.

The suspects are expected to appear today (Tuesday) before the Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One, Mary Kaitesi Kisakye for plea taking. Plea is an urgent or desperate request, or an official statement made by a suspect in court as to whether he is guilty or innocent.

The charges were slapped against the suspects by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) following a complaint by Milton Obote Foundation. They also face an alternative charge of common nuisance.

According to prosecution, the suspects and others still at large on June 5, 2015 entered the property of Milton Obote Foundation Ltd and Uganda House Investment Ltd popularly known as "Uganda House" without lawful authorization with intent to commit an offence and to intimidate, annoy and insult the property owners and other lawful users.