Lawyers Demand Unconditional Release of Arua Suspects’ Property Under Police Custody

On Thursday, suspects in the treason case including MPs Robert Kyagulanyi (Kyadondo East), Kassiano Wadri (Arua Municipality), Paul Mwiru (Jinja East), Gerald Karuhanga (Ntungamo Municipality) and other 29 co-accused appeared before Grade One Magistrate, Isaac Imram Kintu in Gulu.

They are accused of stoning President Yoweri Museveni’s car during the violence which ensued in the Arua municipality MP by-elections in August, last year. They all face treason charges which they have denied.

Their lawyers led by Henry Kilama told court that they had in the previous court session prayed that two police officers in charge of criminal investigations from Gulu and Arua districts be produced in court on Thursday, which had not happened.

Kilama argued that Yunus Ndiwalana who was handling the case before his transfer, had ordered that the two officers appear before court and explain why the property of the suspects is still in possession of the police.

He said four vehicles including a Toyota Tundra, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a grader and a Toyota Klugger, a number of phones and money were confiscated by Police during their arrest on August 13 and since then, they have remained in Police custody. He implored court to order for unconditional release of the items since they are highly useful to the suspects.

However, Julius Ochieng, the State prosecutor, argued to the contrary, saying some of the items are ‘crucial’ exhibits for the investigators.

Meanwhile, one of the suspects, Caroline Nalubowa, collapsed after standing in the dock for almost 2 hours. She later on said that her life has never been the same since being allegedly tortured by security officers during her arrest in August.

The case was later adjourned to March 14.