Journalists, relatives blocked from attending Kirumira trial
A police officer tries to arrest Bukedde journalist, Suleiman Mutebi for taking pictures at the police court in Nagururu, Kampala where former Buyende District Police Commander, ASP Muhammad Kirumira appeared on February 22, 2018. PHOTO BY JOSEPH KATO
Journalists and relatives of detained former Buyende District Police Commander, ASP Muhammad Kirumira have been blocked from attending his trial at the Police Court where he’s facing charges of extortion, unlawful exercise of authority and corruption.
Security has been deployed to enforce what they say orders not to all any civilian in court.
ASP Kirumira's relatives stranded after police blocked them from attending court. PHOTO BY JOSEPH KATO
Two journalists have allegedly been assaulted by police officers as they tried to take pictures. The assaulted journalist are Suleiman Mutebi and Ponsiano Nsimbi of Vision Group.
Police court chairman, Denis Odongpiny, said on Tuesday that Mr Kirumira’s case was rescheduled for Thursday (today) since one court member was engaged in other duties at the time.
“We shall not sit today (Tuesday) because our member is engaged in meetings. We have decided to hear his case on Thursday when all members will be around. He is still detained at Nalufenya,” Mr Odongpiny said.
Last Tuesday, Mr Kirumira marched out of police court protesting ‘harsh ‘bail conditions that demanded him to get a senior officer in rank and to report to PSU every working day.
On Wednesday, a section of MPs tasked Justice Minister, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire to explain why Mr Kirumira had been ‘arrested like a rat’ by fellow police officers.
Gen (rtd) Otafiire was on Wednesday appearing before the Human Rights committee of Parliament chaired by Mitooma Woman MP, Jovah Kamateeka.
In his response, Gen (rtd) Otafiire, said he would ask the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura for answers.
