Minister Byandala assaults journalist at court
Mar 23, 2016
According to eyewitness, Byandala allegedly punched Judith Nalugwa as she captured footage at the Anti- Corruption Court premises
Minister without portfolio Abraham Byandala's woes are far from over. The embattled politician has been dragged to police over allegations of assaulting a journalist.
The journalist attached to Vision Group, Judith Nalugwa, has filed a case of assault under reference number SD 35/23/03/2016 at Jinja Road Police Station against Byandala.
Nalugwa said she suffered bruises on the left hand in the unprovoked attack.
According to eyewitness, Byandala allegedly punched Nalugwa as she captured footage at the Anti- Corruption Court premises shortly after court proceedings where Byandala had gone to answer charges of abuse of office.
Under section 228 of the Penal Code Act any person found guilty of assault is liable to imprisonment for five years.
Vision Group head of legal Doreen Pacutho promised to follow up the matter and advised Nalugwa get a medical report. The medical report she (Pacutho) said would be put on police file.
Byandala makes his way to his awaiting car shortly after the alleged assault at the Anti-Corruption Court. Photo by Richard Sanya
Byandala shares a light moment with friends outside court shortly after the alleged assault. Photo by Richard Sanya
Byandala faces separate charges of abuse of office and disobeying Inspectorate of Government (IGG) orders.
On Wednesday, has asked the IGG to let him plead guilty to corruption charges in connection to the sh24b Katosi Road saga in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Byandala's interests were communicated by his lawyer Ezekiel Mubiru Nsubuga to the trial judge Lawrence Gidudu in what he termed a plea bargain.
However Justice Gidudu advised the IGG to create an open environment for all suspects to plead instead of going through a full trial.
The IGG has also charged another suspect Wilberforce Ssengyako the former UNRA regional accountant in connection with the saga bringing the number of the accused to seven.
The matter was adjourned to the 29 April to enable Byandala and the IGG come to an agreement.