130 Bobi Wine supporters to be tried in army court
Pesidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. PHOTO/ FILE
What you need to know:
The security had got their intelligence information that some political young groups had started a militia life behaviour by forming brigades in yellow, red, blue, among others and that’s why such materials were picked,” Brig Flavia Byekwaso, spokesperson of Ministry of Defence
At least 132 suspects arrested after a raid at National Unit Platform (NUP) head offices will be tried in the court martial.
Brig Flavia Byekwaso, the spokesperson of Ministry of Defence and Uganda People’s Defence Forces, told Daily Monitor yesterday that the suspects would be arraigned before the army court when their files are ready.
“We shall have a case conferencing with the police and see those to be charged in army court and who to charge in criminal courts,” Brig Byekwaso said in a telephone interview.
Police and the army raided different parts of the city including NUP offices, where presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, sits and arrested dozens of people suspected to be wearing, selling and manufacturing red berets, red T-shirts and posters. They also seized several other items.
The leaders of the party said the operatives made off with several valuables from the offices, including cash and signatures meant for the nomination of Bobi Wine.
Police and the army said they were holding the suspects on offence of illegal possession of government stores. The offence is a minor one in the Penal Code Act.
Several human rights activists have continuously opposed the idea of taking civilians to a military court.
Human Rights Watch says military courts “did not meet international standards of competence, independence, and impartiality, but that military courts have routinely violated fundamental fair trial rights, such as the right to present a defence, the right against self-incrimination, and the prohibition on the use of evidence procured by torture”.
Brig Byekwaso said: “The security had got their intelligence information that some political young groups had started a militia-like behaviour by forming brigades in yellow, red, blue, among others and that’s why such materials were picked up.”
Mr Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, said the suspects are being held for illegal possession of government stores.
“Of these suspects, 50 were picked from NUP offices in Kamwokya, 38 were picked from Kiira road policing area, 30 picked up from the central business district and 14 were from Katwe policing area,” Mr Onyango said.
Following the raid, the NUP leadership has also written to the Independent Electoral Commission seeking more time to raise signatures for their presidential candidate.
Mr David Lewis Rubongoya, the NUP secretary general, said the raid disorganised them.
“We would seek the indulgence of the electoral commission to offer us an extension of time for the submission of the signatures, in case we are not able to raise the required number by the deadline,” read the letter in part.
