Museveni says he is opposed to Rukutana’s bail

President Museveni has asked the Director of Public Prosecution to oppose the bail application by the State Minister for Labour, Mwesigwa Rukutana.

Rukutana who was remanded to Kakiika Prison in Mbarara District on Monday was returned to court today to appear before Chief Magistrate for attempted murder charges to be read to him.

He later applied for bail but the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter to September,15,2020.

However, in his latest missive, Miseveni has said he expects the DPP to oppose the minister's bail application.

"In the case of the Rukutanas, the Police did not give bond because, according to the Police, the evidence is clear and they should go for trial. I hope the DPP will also oppose bail," Museveni said.

" The image of impunity is not acceptable."

On Tuesday, the minister applied for bail arguing that the offence is bailable, whereas he has substantial sureties.

In response, the state prosecutors including Robert Arinaitwe and Eunice Mbine objected to Rukutana's bail application saying the Rushenyi county legislator is charged with grave offences that carry a severe punishment of life imprisonment once a person is convicted.

The prosecutors told court that if released on bail, the minister would interfere with ongoing investigations into the matter.

Court will rule on the minister’s bail application on September, 15, 2020.

The President has since last week said he will not tolerate violence during elections, adding that he was incensed with the chaos in the just concluded NRM primaries.

“The one who beat people will also go to jail. All those who have made a fool of themselves, we shall go for him. The one who brought soldiers to declare him will is a culprit for jail. We had a minister who beat people and was seen with guns. He is in jail now. This game is finished,” Museveni said.

On Monday, the NRM Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba warned that there is need to deal with impunity starting with the party members so as it acts as a lesson to others.

“In Butemba sub-county, in Kyankwanzi district, one of candidates with 3000 votes brought in soldiers, cordoned off the place and declared himself winner. They left police to struggle with people who were angry. You went to the bush to make people enjoy choosing their leaders, but if such things(like in Kyankwanzi) are done and nothing is done , impunity persists and people get scared .I call on you for whoever has misbehaved should be brought to book,” Lumumba said at the party headquarters on Monday.

“Impunity should be dealt with in NRM.I speak with toughness because of the people have many options of belonging to other parties but have stayed in NRM because of your leadership and service delivery. A few people are ruining your legacy and I call on you that impunity should be dealt with, starting with our party before going out.”

“People are yearning to hear your voice about this(impunity). Intimidation and abuse of human rights should be dealt with inside the party before we go outside,” Lumumba asked Museveni.