Kirumira Absconds Court Trial in Protest of Blocking Journalists

Former Buyende District Police Commander, ASP Muhammad Kirumira has Tuesday afternoon refused to attend police court proceedings in which the ruling on several cases against him was to be delivered, protesting the absence of the media.

Journalists from different media houses had earlier been locked outside the premises of the Naguru police court, but on arrival, the maverick police officer forcefully opened the gate for them as he questioned why they would be denied access.

“Who are you to give an order that the proceedings are not covered by the media? This case should be decided with full glare of cameras,” Mr Kirumira stated as he opened the gate.

When he insisted, Kirumira was driven back to his home saying he could not be part of what he described as a “kangaroo” court that doesn’t allow the public access to what transpires therein.

Police spokesperson, SSP Emilian Kayima has said that police disciplinary court will set another date and invite Kirumira for delivery of the ruling.

“The court shall summon him through his surety to appear on a date that will be determined,” Kayima said.

Kirumira is accused of, among other cases, corruption and excessive use of power at the time when he was the DPC of Old Kampala and officer in charge of Nansana police station.