Sejusa to know bail fate after elections

Feb 09, 2016

It is alleged that on April 30, 2013, while an army MP, Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga granted Sejusa three week leave absence, which he flouted

The former coordinator of intelligence agencies Gen David Sejusa will know his bail fate on February 23, almost a week after general elections.

 

Today, Sejusa's legal team pitched a bid to have him freed on bail before February 18, saying the accused intends to vote for a candidate of his choice.

 

A handcuffed Sejusa arrived at the court, located in the city suburb of Makindye, aboard a prison bus.

 

His lawyers argued that he is of advanced age of 61, and that he cannot skip court because he did not resist arrest despite having prior knowledge of his arrest.

 

 

 

However, the chairman of the General Court Martial Maj. Gen Levi Karuhanga, said February 23 was the nearest, since other earlier dates have been scheduled for other cases.

 

Sejusa is charged with absence without leave (AWOL), contrary to Section 41 of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005.

 

It is alleged that on April 30, 2013, while an army MP, Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga granted Sejusa three week leave absence, which he flouted.

 

Sejusa is also battling the offence of participating in political activities contrary to section 16 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005

 

 

 

It is purported that last year on November 4, on the nomination day of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer Rtd Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Sejusa addressed the public at Nakivubo Stadium and canvassed support for the candidate and the political party.

 

It is also alleged that in the same year on November 22, he addressed a meeting of the Democratic Party at the party headquarters in Kampala.

 

Sejusa is also charged with insubordinate behaviour contrary to section 136 of the UPDF Act.

 

It is purported that having been warned by the Chief of Defence Forces(CDF)Gen. Katumba Wamala last year on July 2015, against conduct in violation of the UPDF Act, he attended political rallies in Kabale  and Arua, which behaviour was in contempt of the said superior officer.

 

In the first count of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, contrary to section 178 of UPDF Act, it is alleged that last year on April 22, between 7 and 9pm at Bulange Mengo, he appeared on a CBS FM talkshow and made public statements without authorization from the army

 

In the second count, it is purported that on the same day, he uttered public statements at the JEEMA party offices  in Kampala.

 

Also today, the court declined to halt the trial as pleaded by Sejusa, who insists there is a pending case at the High Court civil division to determine if he is a serving officer.

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