Ndeeba church demolition: Senior Police officers charged

COURT|CRIME

Nineteen people including six senior police officers have been charged and remanded to Kitalya Prison over the demolition of a church in Ndeeba, Kampala.  

They include SSP Rashid Agero, 59, the Field Force Unit (FFU) commander Kampala Metropolitan area, SP Martin Odero, the FFU Kampala Metropolitan South zonal commander, SP David Epedu, 34, the Katwe Police Divisional commander and ASP Isabirye Kaloli, 33, attached to FFU, Katwe.

Others are ASP Mugira Yeko Kato, the OC Station Ndeeba Police Station, AIP Anthony Kiro and CPL Richard Kasule.

The policemen were remanded alongside Ali Lubega, Badiru Ssekitto, Hamza Kiberu, Abas Mutebi, Ali Kalika, Simon Matovu, James Kisirinya, Bashir Muruti, Andrew Mujuzi, Munir Bbosa, Muhammad Kawooya and Dodviko Mwajne, who is claimed to be the owner of the land.

Appearing before Makindye Court Grade One Magistrate, Jude Okumu, on Thursday, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft, disobedience of lawful orders and malicious damage to property.

According to the Penal Code Act, the offences, on conviction, elicits a maximum jail sentence of two, seven and 10 years, respectively.

The State Prosecutor, Jackie Akao, informed court that investigations are still on going.

"I pray that you give the police more time to complete inquiries in the matter," Akao requested, prompting court to adjourn the case.

However, the accused's plea to apply for bail fell on the deaf ear of the magistrate, who said it was late to hear their bail application.