Tumukunde case pushed to June 22

CRIME | COURT | SECURITY

The trial of former security minister, Lt.Gen Henry Tumukunde has been pushed to June 22. 

This followed a request by Senior State Attorney (SSA) Joseph Kyomuhendo, who told the court presided over by City Hall Grade One Magistrate, Valerian Tuhimbise, that investigations are still underway.

"The matter is coming up for mention, but inquiries are still underway, which is why we are praying for an adjournment," Kyomuhendo submitted.

The magistrate also overruled an application by Tumukunde's lawyers, Anthony Wameli and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, to give the last adjournment, to the state to finalise the inquiries.

"I have listened to the prayer by defense lawyers for the last adjournment in the matter and a reply for the state, and I find that it is not practical to give the last adjournment because guidelines from the Chief Justice suspended trials except for urgent matters and bail applications," Tuhimbise ruled.

Tumukunde, 61, is currently on bail and his brief remarks after the court session, commended the media for highlighting his case. 

Tumukunde is expected to issue a statement detailing his 60-days on remand at Luzira Prisons, on Thursday.  

The charge

It is alleged that Tumukunde on March 5, during a show on local television, made treasonous utterances.

He purportedly said, "If I was Rwanda, I would wish to support people who want to cause a change in Uganda."

The DPP says such talk was aimed at encouraging Rwanda to invade Uganda, to cause an unlawful change of government.

The prosecution further alleges that Tumukunde on March 13 at Impala Avenue Kololo, possessed a modified AK-47 rifle N0. 19865-BU3618 and a star pistol N0.EL-860030 without holding a valid firearms certificate.