MP Kabaziguruka asks court to stay his trial

MP Michael Kabaziguruka has asked the General court martial sitting in Makindye to stay the proceedings in a treachery charges against him.

Kabaziguruka wants his trial stayed until his petition before Constitutional challenging the powers of General court martial to try civilians is heard and disposed of.

The state Prosecutor Major Simon Maserejje has informed court that investigations in the matter are complete and they were to commence hearing today but unfortunately the state witness has informed them that he is not feeling well and therefore asked for a short adjournment.

This has been objected to by all the defense counsels led by Hon Medard Lubega SSegona who informed court that it would be unfair to commence hearing of the matter yet there is a constitutional petition against the same matter before a superior court.

However the Judge Advocate in reply informed Court that it’s the constitutional court that has powers to issue an order staying the proceedings but not lawyers thereby advised them [layers] to seek for an order stay the proceedings from that court.

This prompted Court’s chairman Lt Gen Andrew Gutti to adjourn the matter to 20th December for the ruling on whether to stay the proceedings or to countinue with the hearing.
Prosecution alleges that between February and June 2016, Kabaziguruka and 25 others including UPDF soldiers plotted in Kampala, Wakiso and Luweero districts, to overthrow the government by force of arms.

Written by David Kugonza