Magistrate quits Mao case

Former Buganda Katikiro Jospeh Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere (R), Mao’s Lawyer Darlington Opwonya (Middle) chat with Democratic Party President Nobert Mao (behind bars) as he waits to be charged in the Chief Magistrate’s Court,Nakawa earlier today. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/EAPPA IMAGES.

The Nakawa Court Magistrate Grade One Magistrate, Ms Juliet Hatanga who has been handling the case of the DP President, Norbert Mao and six others, has reportedly resigned from the case.

Mao’s lawyer, Mr Dalton Oponya told journalists outside the court premises that they were planning to launch a fresh plea to a new magistrate.

“We are told that she has disqualified herself from the case but we are trying to talk to the Chief Justice to intervene,” Oponya said.

Meanwhile a group of DP supporters are threatening to attack court-cells where Mr Mao and six others are being kept at Nakawa Court and get them out.

The youthful supporters are chanting slogans-“No Mao, No peace” but police and prison officers are trying to calm down the angry youths.

Mr Mao was brought to Court early this morning for his bail application after three weeks in prison.

They  were brought to court from Luzira Prisons after they were transferred from Nakasongola prisons back to Luzira, yesterday.

The five are; Uganda Young Democrats leader Birigwa Moses, the Democratic Party’s Communications Director Kasozi Kamya, Norbert Mao’s personal secretary Kintu Elvis, and the Democratic Party spokesperson Kenneth Kakande.

Mr Mao was charged with Unlawful Assembly when he was arrested in Kampala on the 11th April 2011, as he walked to work.

According to our reporter at Nakawa Court, Mr Anthony Wesaka said the suspects are still in cells but said the court will start shortly.