Kitatta denied bail by army court

The General Court Martial in Makindye has denied bail to boda boda 2010 patron Abudallah Kitatta.

Kitatta was arrested in January together with 10 other boda boda 2010 members before being charged with a number of offences related to unlawful possession of government stores but he applied to be released on bail citing health issues.

On Monday, the army court chaired by Lt.Gen.Andrew Guti ruled that there was no proof that the suspect's illness cannot be treated while in military detention.

Gen. Guti also noted that Kitatta's offences are so grave and attract big sentences if convicted,adding that if released,he would abscond.

"Due to his relation with various police commanders, he is likely to influence them and interfere with witnesses and investigations into the matter,"the court ruled.

On sureties, Gen.Guti said they are not substantial as they cannot compel Kitatta who is a prominent businessman and big political figure to appear in court when required.

"He is so influential and cannot be compelled by such low profile sureties not to abscond."

The court dismissed the bail application before asking the prosecution side to ensure the trial is expedited .

Kitatta was charged together with 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.

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 a maximum sentences of death and life imprisonment respectively according to the UPDF Act 2005.

Recently,Kitatta through his lawyers lef by Jimmy Muyanja rushed to the High Court in Kampala challenging the trial by the army court.

Kitatta sued the Attorney General, General Court Martial prosecutors led by Maj. Raphael Mugisha, Capt.Samuel Masereje and Lt. Ambrose Baguma, registrar and the judge advocate Col.Gideon Katinda to court over what he termed as violation of his constitutional rights.

In the suit ,he dragged officials from the army court for their individual roles in his trial.

The boda boda 2010 patron says the prosecutors have no authority to institute charges against him and did it illegally.

The Rubaga division National Resistance Movement chairman also accuses Maj. John Bizimana, the army court registrar of denying him a copy of the court proceedings.

According to Kitatta, Col.Gideon Katinda, the Judge advocate failed on his duty as an advisor to guide the army court to stop charges instituted against him.