PICTORIAL: Jubilation as army court releases Gen.Kayihura on bail

There was jubilation on Tuesday at the General Court Martial in Makindye  as the former Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura was released on bail.

Gen. Kayihura who was arrested in June was last week charged with failure to protect war materials contrary to section 122(1) (2) (d) of the UPDF Act 2005 but on Tuesday applied for bail.

As early as 8am, supporters, relatives and friends for Kayihura who also included crime preventers and other people from Kisoro (Kayihura’s home district) had arrived at the army court in Makindye.

In his ruling on bail, the court chairman, Lt.Gen.Andrew Gutti said that he had been convinced with the reasons fronted by the former police boss’ team of lawyers.

“It has not been pointed out by the state that he is likely to interfere with investigations and I therefore release him on bail,”Lt.Gen.Gutti ruled.

The court however set stringent terms to be fulfilled by the former police boss as part of his bail that included restricting him to only the districts of Kampala and Wakiso and if he wants to move out of those two, he ought to ask for permission from court.

“You are restricted from moving out of the country and to do so, you have to first seek permission from this court or the army leadership,”Lt.Gen.Gutti ruled.

The court was filled with ululations when Gutti announced the bail had been granted.

Among those who looked happy was Gen.Kayihura who after saluting the court members was seen thanking them for job done.

Speaking to the Nile Post, John Tumusiime, one of Kayihura’s friends from Bushenyi said his release was a clear manifestation of the struggle for freedom that the NRM fought for.

“He participated in the struggle to return the rule of law in Uganda and now he has now benefited for what he struggled for,”Tumusiime.

Charles Ssentongo, a taxi driver said Kayihura’s release on bail was a reward for his good deeds for the ruling NRM government.

“He tirelessly quelled protests all over the country and it was wrong to detain him by the military. It is good he has now been released on bail,”Ssentongo said.

However, Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro district chairperson said despite his release, it was wrong for the military to detain Kayihura for more than 48 hours as stipulated by the constitution.

“Despite being excited that he has been released, I am at the same time angry that the state detained him for more than 48 hours. It was uncalled for,”Bizimana said.

Gen. Kale Kayihura greets his supporters shortly after release on bail.

The General Court Martial chairman in his ruling ordered Gen.Kayihura to report to the court registrar every first Monday of every month without fail and that a breach of any of the terms, the court will be forced to cancel his bail.

Gen. Kayihura who was arrested in June was last week charged with failure to protect war materials contrary to section 122(1) (2) (d) of the UPDF Act 2005.

The state alleges that between the year 2010 and 2018 Gen.Kayihura on various occasions allowed the issue of arms and ammunitions to unauthorized persons including members of Boda boda 2010 led by one Abdallah Kitatta.

He is also accused of failure to supervise and ensure accountability for the arms and ammunitions issued to specialized units under his office as the Inspector General of Police including the Flying Squad, Special Operations Unit, witness protection unit and the Crime Intelligence directorate of the police force.

It is alleged that between the year 2012 and 2016, by omission and commission, he aided and abetted the actions of subordinate police officers and others on various occasions without hindrance to kidnap and illegally repatriated Rwandan exiles, refugees and Ugandan citizens to Rwanda including Lt.Joel Mutabazi, Jackson Karemera and Sgt. Innocent Karisa.