Kyagulanyi set to appear at Mbale High Court

COURT

MBALE - Security was ramped up at Mbale High Court ahead of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi's appearance at the court on Monday (October 26, 2020).

All roads leading to the court were cut off by armed anti-riot Police personnel. People who intended to access the court premises had to be thoroughly checked by a security team.

Exactly a month ago, this court adjourned until today (Monday) hearing of a case filed by Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine against the Police for blocking him from attending a talk show on the Mbale city-based BCU FM.

Mbale Grade One Magistrate Andrew Katumbuki pushed the the case forward on grounds that the person who accused the Police officers was absent.

At the time, Kyagulanyi's lawyer, Anthony Wameli, said their client did not appear in court because he had lost a relative, and was preparing himself to appear before the High Court in Kampala on another case.

Recently, court had also summoned Mbale resident district commissioner (RDC) Ogajjo Baraza and other key security officers to appear for cross-examination over blocking Kyagulanyi's radio talk show.

The legislator is also the National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential flagbearer for the 2021 general elections. Like other presidential hopefuls, he is due to be nominated by the Electoral Commission.

Among the key security officers summoned was Elgon region Police commander Wesley Nganizi, officer in charge of Mbale Central Police Station Arafat Kato, Mbale district internal security officer George Mwonda and the representative of the Attorney General's chambers, Juliet Topacho.

Magistrate Katumbuki issued the orders during the hearing of Kyagulanyi's application of his suit.

The MP is arguing that the actions of the respondents, their agents and those who acted under them are not acceptable or demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.

He wants the court to compel the respondents to personally compensate him for the violation of his rights, pay punitive damages for their high handedness and flagrant breach of the law.

A large team of security personnel was deployed.

There was a general sense of calm as MP Robert Kyagulanyi's appearance at the court was awaited.

Hearing of the case was adjourned on September 26, 2020 until today (Monday, October 26, 2020).

There was thorough screening of the people who intended to access the court premises.