KAMPALA – Former Security Minister Lt. Gen Henry Tumukunde told the High Court that the conditions set for his bail are stringent and should be relaxed to allow get temporary freedom.
On April 14th, 2020, Justice Wilson Kwesiga refused to grant bail to Gen Tumukunde, saying he needed to present at least two sureties who are above his rank and still serving in the army.
But through his lawyers led by Anthony Wameli and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, Gen Tumukunde says it’s practically impossible to get bail given the conditions spelt out by court.
The lawyers add that they can’t secure the required sureties since the suspect retired from the army. On the issue of investigations, the lawyers contend that police hasn’t been affected in any way by the lockdown since they are considered essential service providers. The Judge had previously directed police to do investigations within 30 days saying that they had been affected by the lockdown.
They also argue that there is a likelihood of government extending the lockdown given the confirmation of new Covid-19 cases. The team which has been joined by McDusman Kabega also argues that the World Health Organization has advised countries to extend the lockdown up to December, 2020 to be on a safer side. To prove that their client will abide by the bail terms, they have attached the title of Tumukunde’s house in Kololo.
They also note that his three sureties including his wife, family friend Matthew Rukikaire and brother Hanninngton Karuhanga are substantial. Justice Kwesiga has directed all parties to file written submissions on the new application within this week so that he delivers his ruling on May 11th, 2020. Tumukunde found himself in Luzira Prisons when he reportedly called on a foreign government to cause unlawful change of the legitimate government of Uganda while appearing on the Kamwokya based NBS TV during the Morning Breeze Program on March 5th 2020.
Tumukunde was remanded to Luzira Prisons in March this year after he was charged with treason and illegal possession of firearms.
