Kitatta detained at Makindye for his safety over deeds to public -Army court

The General Court Martial has defended its action to detain former boda boda 2010 patron Abdalla Kitatta, a civilian at the Makindye military police detention centre.

Kitatta was recently charged together with 10 others including; Matia Ssenfuka, Joel Kibirige, Hassan Ssemata, Jonathan Kayondo, Ssengooba Hassan, Sande Ssemwogerere, John Ssebandeke, Hussein Mugema, Fred Bwanika and Amon Twinomujuni with a number of of offences related to unlawful possession of military hardware.

On Monday,the group’s lawyers led by Shaban Sanywa asked court that Kitatta be transferred from Makindye to another prison because of his illness that can only be treated while in a government prison.

“We ask that he is transferred to either Luzira or Kigo so that he can get treatment,”Sanywa asked.

However in response,the army court chairman Lt.Gen.Andrew Guti said the former boda boda 2010 cannot be transferred from Makindye to any other detention place for his own safety.

“He is there for his own safety. He knows what he has done to this world,”Guti said.

He added, “The health facility we have (at Makindye) is excellent to handle his ailment.”

Earlier,prosecution led by Maj.Raphael Mugisha asked court for a hearing date because investigations in the matter are complete.

The army court adjourned the matter to April 23 for trial to commence.

Prosecution alleges that Abdallah Kitatta, Sowali Ngobi and Ibrahim Ssekajja were found in unlawful possession of an SMG rifle and a pistol without a valid firearm licence , contrary to Section 3 and section 2 of the fire arms act on January 21st in Wakaliga,Rubaga division.

The group is also accused of unlawful possession of 30 and 20 rounds of ammunition for SMG rifles and pistol respectively which are government stores contrary to section 161 of the UPDF Act.

The army also accuses the group of unlawful possession of military equipment including headgear and uniforms which are a monopoly of the defence forces.

The offences against the group are criminal in nature and attract maximum sentences of death and life imprisonment respectively according to the UPDF Act 2005.