Kabaziguruka bail hearing deferred to Friday

The High Court in Kampala has deferred the hearing of the bail application by Nakawa MP, Michael Andrew Kabaziguruka who is currently battling treason charges at the Court Martial to Friday.

Kabaziguruka's lawyer Ladislaus  Rwakafuuzi  said Justice Yasin Nyanzi who is supposed to hear the application was reportedly busy handling other matters.

"Well, today Justice Nyanzi who is supposed to hear the application was very busy handling over thirty other matters and he told us to come back tomorrow (Friday) to hear the application," Rwakafuuzi said.

Kabaziguruka was taken back to Luzira amid tight security.

Case background

On September 23, 2016 Kabaziguruka applied to be temporarily released on bail on the presumption of innocence until proved guilty and that he will not skip court and ready to appear whenever required.

"I am a law abiding citizen who is fully aware of my civil obligation under the Constitution and I will respect the conditions of court that will be imposed for my bail and always be available when required until the case is completed," part of his application reads.

He further argues that he is a family man with a fixed place of abode in the city suburbs of Luzira and has substantial sureties. He said it is fair, just and equitable that his application be allowed.

He informed court that he was charged with treason in Nakawa court and has been on bail since January 11, 2013 but never absconded court.

Kabaziguruka was arrested on June 8, 2016, at about 6:30am by police from his home at Luzira and detained at SIU, Kireka and later released on bond.

He continued reporting to police on bond after every two days until June 28, 2016 when he was produced before the GCM and charged with service offences.

Prosecution alleges that Kabaziguruka, between February and June 2016 at diverse places in Wakiso, Kampala and Luwero districts with intent to prejudice the security or interests of Uganda, committed acts of treachery, infiltrate the UPDF and engaged himself in war-like activities against the government.

He is further alleged to have plotted to overthrow the government by use of force of arms in the same period.

Kabaziguruka is indicted with offences related to security and Treachery (Treason) contrary to section 130 (1) (f) and 129(a) of the Uganda Peoples Defence (UPDF) Act of 2005 before the General Court Martial (GCM) in Makindye alongside 25 others.

Treason and offences relating to security carry a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.

In his affidavit, Kabaziguruka informed court that he is contesting charges preferred against him by GCM and that he filed an appeal challenging the High Court decision, which stated that he is rightfully before the GCM.