KAMPALA – Mr Sam Buchanan a city businessman who was arrested in connection with shady gold deals has been charged before the Makindye based General Court Martial over unlawful possession of a firearm.
Buchanan’s appearance in the army court this evening come shortly after his lawyer appearing in the afternoon before a High Court judge for a Habeas Corpus Ad Subjiciendum seeking for his release from an unknown detention facility or be presented before any competent court after spending four days in custody.
He appeared before a six-member court chaired by Lt Gen. Andrew Gutti where he declined to plead to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and bullets.
Buchanan’s refusal to take plea came after his lawyer, Mr Frank Kanduho asked the court to first make an order requiring the prosecution to disclose witness statements, exhibits and other materials they intend to rely on so that he understands the case.
However, the Judge Advocate, Col Richard Tukachungura stated that Buchanan’s statement means denial of the charges.
The prosecution alleges that on August 16, while at Buziga in Makindye Division in Kampala, Buchanan was found with unlawful possession of a pistol which is a monopoly of the defence forces.
It is also alleged that at the time of his arrest, Buchanan was found in possession of 18 rounds of 9mm caliber live ammunition which are ordinarily a monopoly of the defence forces.
Prosecution led by Maj. Samuel Masereje asked the court for an adjournment saying that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.
Buchanan is, among other things, the chairman of Great Stickers International, which promotes professional boxing.
He is also connected to a company called Fook Moon Agency Ltd. He is a renowned socialite in the city, known to many for his generosity.
Last week, security operatives attached to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) arrested Buchanan and two other persons over allegations of conning foreigners in shady gold deals.
Sources say that Buchanan and group were arrested on allegations of defrauding a businessman, a non-Ugandan, of $500,000 (about1.8b).
