Day

By www.mknewslink.com reporter
In Mbarara–
Hearing of the case in which former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is accused of assaulting a police officer and inciting violence has today hit snag as the presiding magistrate is still on leave.
Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Forum for Democratic Change party president, Mr Patrick Amuriat, Fred Kato (Besigye’s driver), Kawempe South MP, Mubaraka Munyagwa and FDC secretary for mobilization, Ms Ingrid Turinawe today morning arrived at Mbarara High court where the case was supposed to be heard only to be told that court would not hear their case because the magistrate, Ms Sanyu Mukasa took his annual leave.
The case was adjourned to March 6 when the magistrate will be present.
Earlier, police blocked all road leading to court and dispersed his supporters.
Prosecution avers that Dr Besigye, his co-accused and others at large on November 14, 2017 at Amahembegente, Muti Cell in the Mbarara District, assaulted PC Michael Oyet, a police officer who at the time, executing his duty.
Other charges are malicious damage to property and holding unlawful meeting. They were ordered to return to court on March 6.
Source:www.mknewslink.com; a western Uganda News website.
Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel:+256702680106

By www.mknewslink.com reporter
In Hoima–
Some of leaders in Bunyoro sub-region have asked the former president of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change, Gen Mugisha Muntu to form a new political party.
During his first public consultative meeting since he lost the presidency to Patrick Amuriat in the November 2017 polls, Gen Muntu did not rule out a possibility of quitting FDC to join another opposition party.
The meeting convened yesterday by the Hoima FDC Chairman; Jackson Wabyoona at Hoima Resort Hotel and was attended by many leaders from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), civil society organizations, the private sector and religious groups.
The former Hoima Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Moses Kyamanywa and a member of the NRM Historical Forum said there are many Ugandans who are frustrated by Uganda’s political parties like NRM and FDC which have several leadership challenges.
“There are many people who are frustrated and need direction but no one has given them an alternative. We need to form a new political party whose core message is peace and reconciliation” Mr Kyamanywa said.
Masindi mayor, Mr Joab Businge supported the proposal of founding a new political party that could unite Ugandans who share its values and culture.
He said current political parties in Uganda suffer from a syndrome of loyalty to a founding leader which suffocates other leaders from emerging.
However, the former FDC Hoima district woman parliamentary aspirant Rehema Nabisere said forming a new party is time consuming.
“Let us go to the grassroots and mobilise the people. Even people in NRM are scared of FDC. Let us bring them closer and we work towards achieving regime change,” Mr Nabisere said.
Gen. Muntu said Uganda is at crossroads as President Museveni nears his exit but opposition forces have not yet sufficiently organised to utilise the opportunity of political transition that is unfolding in the country.
Source: www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda newswebsite.
Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel:+256702680106

By www.mknewslink.com reporter
In Kampala–
A policeman has been released on bail pending trial over charges of kidnapping a former bodyguard to Rwandan President Paul Kagame in 2013 before being dubiously handed over to Rwandan authorities and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The General Court Martial that yesterday sat at Makindye in Kampala released Faisal Katende; a Special Police Constable (SPC) attached to the Flying Squad.
The court chaired by Lt Gen. Andrew Gutti reasoned that Katende is a junior not high ranking officer to interfere with the ongoing investigations and prosecution witnesses.
“In our view, he has not served in various capacities so he is incapable of interfering with investigations and witnesses. The sureties are also substantial,” ruled Gen. Gutti.
Gen Guti added: “the accused person shall not travel outside Kampala and Wakiso districts without permission and he must report to the court registrar; every after two weeks until the case is determined.”
Katende is among the nine suspects including senior police officers charged in connection with alleged kidnap of three Rwandan nationals.
Others include; the former Commandant of Police Professional Standard Unit Mr Joel Aguma, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr Nixon Agasirwe, Assistant Superintendent of Police James Magada (Crime Intelligence), Sgt Abel Tumukunde of the Flying Squad, AIP Benon Atwebembeire and D/Cpl Amon Kwarisima, attached to the Crime Intelligence Department.
Other suspects are Rwandan national Rene Rutagungira and Bahati Mugenga Pacifique also known as Ilungu Monga, a Congolese national. All the suspects have since pleaded not guilty.
Mr Agasirwe is jointly charged with Mr Abudulnul Ssemuju in another offence of kidnap.
On December 18, last year, the court declined to grant bail to Mr Aguma citing unsubstantial sureties and interference with prosecution witnesses. The court is yet to make rulings in other bail applications for the remaining suspects.
Source: www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda newswebsite.
Email:wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel:+256702680106