Tumukunde through his lawyers Anthony Wameli, Alex Luganda and Godfrey Turyamusiima wants to be released temporarily pending conclusion of his cases in which he is jointly charged with treason and unlawful possession of firearms
Former Security Minister retired Lt. General Henry Tumukunde has applied for bail in the High Court Criminal Division. Through his lawyers, Anthony Wameli, Alex Luganda and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, Tumukunde wants to be released temporarily pending conclusion of his cases in which, he is jointly charged with treason and unlawful possession of firearms.
In his application, the 61-year-old General argues that the charges he is facing are bailable. He also says his Constitutional right to liberty was infringed upon when he was detained in Kireka Special Investigations Unit for six days without being charged with any offense.
Tumukunde notes that he is a family man, legally married to Stella Tumukunde, with whom they have sired seven children who are finding difficulties to survive at the moment given that he is the sole bread winner. In his application filed before the Deputy Registrar, Mary Kaitesi, Tumukunde explains that he has a fixed place of abode at Plot 34 Upper Kololo Terrace in Central Division in Kampala District, which falls under the High Court’s jurisdictions.
On top of pleading that he is still innocent until proven guilty, Tumukunde states in his affidavit that he is a Presidential aspirant and yet to start his country wide consultations in preparation for the 2021 general Elections. The affidavit is backed by Tumukunde’s February 28th, 2020 letter notifying Electoral Commission about his presidential bid.
The General, who was remanded to Luzira prisons on Wednesday, says he is ready to abide by the bail condition and will not interfere with witnesses and investigations. He also contends that there’s a likelihood that his trial is most likely to delay since there’s no confirmed date as to when it will kick off.
Details of the case
Prosecution alleges that on March 5th 2020 while at NBS TV Kamokya in Kampala District, during the Morning Breeze Program, Tumukunde made statements calling for unlawful change of the legitimate Government of Uganda.
He reportedly said that “If I was Rwanda I would wish to support people who want to cause change in Uganda” a statement, which prosecution says was aimed at instigating the Republic of Rwanda to invade Uganda to cause unlawful change of Government.
It is also alleged that on March 13 at Impala Avenue in Kampala District, Tumukunde was found illegal possession of an AK 47 rifle Registration number 19865 and a Star Pistol Registration number EL 860030. Tumukunde has since pleaded not guilty to the charges. The application hasn’t been fixed for hearing.
Story by Kukunda Judith
