Magistrate threatens to dismiss violence case against music promoter Bajjo

Andrew Mukasa alias Bajjo at Buganda Road Court to answer charges against him of inciting violence and offensive communication against the President. Photo by Juliet Kigongo

A Grade One Magistrate at the Buganda Road Court has threatened to dismiss a case in which a music promoter Mr Andrew Mukasa alias Bajjo is facing charges of inciting violence and offensive communication against the president.

The trial magistrate Ms Stellah Amabilisi's decision has been prompted by Mukasa's lawyer Mr Erias Lukwago who asked court to have the case dismissed after the state's submission that the case file was still at police.

Mr Lukwago asked court to dismiss the case saying that the state cannot say there is no police file yet the matter was brought way back in June.

The magistrate has given the state prosecutor the last adjournment, warning that failure to present witnesses in the next hearing will lead to dismissal of the case.

"I appreciate your concerns, however when this case came up I had issues but let us give the state a benefit of doubt. If there are no witnesses on December 2, this case will be dismissed," Ms Amabilisi ruled.

Prosecution alleges that during the month of June 2019 at various places of Masaka, Mbarara, Ibanda and Kampala, Mr Musaka incited members of the public to carry out violent acts against the person of the President.

It is further alleged that Mr Mukasa with intent to disturb the peace and privacy of the president recorded a video and posted it on social media containing messages that he would overthrow the government before 2021.

According to the prosecution Mr Mukasa allegedly used his mobile phone to make the suggestion with no purpose of legitimate communication.