Mbale District LC3 boss charged over poll violence

Mbale Chief Magistrate’s Court has charged the Bungokho LC3 chairperson with two counts of moving in public places armed and being in unlawful possession of military equipment.

Court heard that Mr Ahamed Washaki, on September 4, armed with bows, machetes and other dangerous weapons, moved in Namasali Village, Bumageni Parish, Bungokho Sub-county and disorganised three polling stations during the just-concluded NRM primaries.

Prosecution alleges that Mr Washaki, while driving a vehicle No UAM 843F at around 1pm, was allegedly found with 10 arrows reportedly being used to intimidate voters during the recent parliamentary and district NRM primaries.

Prosecutor Yoga Oyende told court presided over by the Chief Magistrate Sissy Mwonda Kawuma that Mr Washaki unlawfully moved while armed in public places contrary to the Penal Code and that he was in possession of army boots.

Mr Washaki was brought to court under tight security yesterday morning. Police records indicate that Mr Washaki was arrested after he was attacked and beaten by a mob led by the Mbale deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Henry Nalyanya and supporters of the State Minister for Housing, Mr Michael Werikhe in Bunghoko for allegedly disorganising elections.

Mr Washaki’s lawyer, Mr James Gyabi, asked for bail, arguing that his client had been severely beaten and injured and has just been discharged from Mt Elgon Hospital. “I pray to court that it grants bail to the accused client on grounds that he is a responsible person of high integrity, a responsible Local Council 3 chairperson,” Mr Gyabi said.

Seeking bail
“He has substantial sureties who are ready to stand for the accused and will not jump bail but will be available at anytime to appear before this honourable court whenever required,” Mr Gyabi said.

Mr Bernard Mujasi, the Mbale LC5 chairman, was among the five sureties for Mr Washaki. Others are Mr Demiano Wamimbi and Mr George Muhogi. They were all bonded Shs5 million not cash.

“Upon satisfaction of this court with the sureties, this honourable court thereby grants bail to the accused and he should reappear before court on October 7 ,” Ms Kawuma ruled.

Hundreds of Mr Washaki’s supporters led by the LC5 chairman, Mr Bernard Mujasi, flocked the streets to protest against his beating, arrest and detention.