KAGAME BODY GUARD KIDNAPPER RELEASED ON BAIL

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.
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