Judge hears bail case for former MP Kipoi

Former Bubuulo West MP Tonny Kipoi Nsubuga

Kampala- The High Court on Wednesday heard an application for bail filed by former Bubuulo West MP Tonny Kipoi Nsubuga in his absence after the army defied the court to produce him for the hearing.

Mr Kipoi was yesterday expected to be presented before High Court Judge Jane Frances Abodo in Kampala for the hearing of his application seeking release on bail but the officials from Makindye Military prison did not show up or deliver the former MP.

His lawyer Ronald Iduuli told court that the military at Makindye were duly served with the production warrant but they defied it. The judge proceeded to hear the application for bail.

Mr Iduuli pleaded with court to grant Kipoi bail which he argued is a constitutional right and added that he is being detained illegally at the military facility in Makindye. He said Mr Kipoi is charged with offences that are bailable.

Justice Abodo set February 18 to deliver the ruling on Kipoi’s bail application.

Mr Kipoi was extradited from Botswana last year following an arrest warrant issued in 2014.

He is currently undergoing trial before the General Court Martial at Makindye. He is jointly charged with five soldiers of the UPDF on treason.

The soldiers are Sgt Albino Okeng, Sgt Yunus Lemeriga, Lance Cpl Adams Mawa, Lance Cpl Rogers Mweru and Pte Saidi Dodola.

Mr Kipoi has challenged the jurisdiction of the army court to try him or detain him when he is a civilian.