Kitatta asks army court to release him because he is NRM chairman

Boda boda 2010 patron Abudallah Kitatta has asked the General Court Martial in Makindye to release him on bail because he is still serving as the ruling National Resistance Movement chairman for Rubaga division.

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 offences related to unlawful possession of military hardware and unlawful possession of a gun, pistol and ammunition.

Represented by his lawyers led by Shaban Sanywa, Kitatta told court that he is holding various responsibilities and has no previous criminal record.

“I am a male Ugandan adult of sound mind and a chairman of NRM in Rubaga district. I am also the chairman of the National Union of drivers, cyclists and allied workers,”Kitatta said in his affidavit.

Last week,the army court chairman Lt.Gen.Andrew Guti refused to have the boda boda 2010 patron transferred from Makindye to either Luzira, Kigo or any other detention place as had been requested by his lawyers citing his own safety reasons.

However, in his affidavit for bail application, Kitatta says that he would undertake to turn up for the trial even if released on bail by the army court.

“If required to give security, I shall deposit my land title and passport before I am released on bail or any other terms that this court deems fit.”

He contended that he has a number of families and dependant relatives yet he is their only bread winner, asking that he is released so as to fend for them.

Sickly

Kitatta also told court that he has a health problem that needs special attention which he contends can only be addressed while out of detention.

“I have a terrible health problem which needs intensive care and treatment both medical and herbal which is beyond the prison health care and for avoidance of doubt, a medical report is hereto attached,”Kitatta told court.

Last week, Kitatta’s lawyers asked court that he should be transferred to another government prison where he could be able to get treatment for his illness but the court declined to grant the orders sought for.

In response, Lt.Gen.Guti said the health facility at Makindye military police barracks is excellent to handle Kitatta’s ailment.

In his affidavit, Kitatta says he will not interfere with investigations which are not yet finalised if released on bail.

He presented five sureties including his father Hajji Muhammad Nabugoba and other relatives of his .

The court adjourned the matter to April 23 for the prosecution to respond to the bail application by Kitatta.

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.