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The military has cautioned NUP-affiliated legislators against disruptive behavior during court-martial proceedings, following incidents of hooliganism witnessed on April 15, 2024.

The military has issued a caution to legislators affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), advising them against engaging in what it perceives as contemptuous behaviour witnessed during a court-martial session on Monday, April 15, 2024.

These actions transpired subsequent to the decision of the General Court Martial (GCM) to deny bail to certain suspects. Army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye reported that during the GCM session at Makindye on Monday, April 15, 2024, certain members of the audience, including Members of Parliament and the accused individuals, exhibited egregious acts of hooliganism toward the court-martial members.

The disorderly incidents ensued after Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, presiding over the GCM, refused bail to the accused individuals on the grounds of the gravity of the charges they face.

“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) unequivocally condemns such acts of hooliganism and will not hesitate to seek legal recourse against those involved,” stated Kulayigye. “The integrity of the court must be upheld without exception.”

He affirmed the GCM’s dedication to administering justice to its personnel and all those subject to military law.

The plea for bail for the suspects was dismissed by the General Court Martial on the basis that expediting their trial is the most judicious course of action to bring the matter to a resolution. Thus far, six witnesses have testified in the case.

“In light of these circumstances, the court finds no justification for the application and declines to grant bail to the applicants. The application is hereby rejected,” ruled Mugabe.

Nevertheless, Mugabe ordered a swift trial for the applicants associated with a rebel faction known as Bali Bali, who have been in custody at Luzira, Kitalya, and Kigo prisons for nearly three years.

Mugabe also determined that the applicants failed to demonstrate fixed residences within the court’s jurisdiction, implying a risk of absconding if granted bail.

The individuals in question include Rashid Sseguja (alias chairman), Muhydin Kakooza, Yasin Ssekitoleko (alias Machete), Mesach Kiwanuka, Abudallah Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Ibrahim Wandera, Albert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, and Jimmy Galukande, among others.

These individuals face charges of treachery, as stipulated in section 129 of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005, and unlawful possession of ammunition, as defined in section 3 (1) and (2) (a) of the Firearms Act Cap 299.

Treachery carries a maximum penalty of death upon conviction, while unlawful possession of ammunition carries a 10-year prison sentence.

The prosecution alleges that between March and May 2021, in various locations within Kampala Metropolitan (including Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete, Nakasero), Jinja, and Mbale Cities, the accused individuals, under the banner of the Bali Bali group, engaged in hostile or war-like activities against the Government of Uganda.

According to the prosecution, the accused purportedly recruited, trained, and unlawfully detonated 13 explosive devices on motor vehicles and other infrastructure in the mentioned areas, posing a threat to national security.

Furthermore, it is claimed that between November 2020 and May 12, 2021, in different areas of Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete, and Kampala Central, the accused were in possession of explosive devices, which are typically under the jurisdiction of defense forces. The case is set to resume on May 6.