Lawyers accuse State of delaying Jamil Mukulu trial

Kampala.

Defence lawyers representing 38 suspects, including remanded rebel leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Jamil Mukulu, yesterday criticised the office of Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of unnecessarily delaying the pre-trial hearing of their clients.
Mr Evans Ochieng, one of the defense lawyers, told the International Crimes Division of the High Court that prosecution has on numerous occasions failed to meet the set deadlines in a bid to conclude the pre-trial hearing.
“We are putting court on notice that next time we appear and there is no meaningful business, we shall demand that the matter be dismissed,” Mr Ochieng argued.
He further argued that some of the suspects have spent more than four years in jail without being prosecuted and yet the prosecution is “moving in circles”.
The prosecution side led by Principal State Attorney Thomas Jatiko responded to the defence’s plea that before they can conclude the disclosure process, there is need for the court to hear their application in which they are seeking special measures.
Presiding single judge Eva Luswata, in her brief ruling, faulted the prosecution side for dragging its feet in this pre-trial, before ordering the prosecution to argue their application immediately but in camera.
Mukulu is accused of launching a rebellion when he formed ADF out of remnants of the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda, terrorising people in western Uganda areas of Rwenzori leading to death of many.
The pre-trial hearing resumes on July 20.