Rukutana trial date set, some charges dropped
By Elly Katahinga & Perez Rumanzi
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ntungamo District has set April 12 for hearing of the criminal charges against State Minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana.
The Chief Magistrate Sarah Mponye Kolya says it will be a marathon trial lasting 12 days after extending Rukutana’s bail.
Rukutana was arrested on September 5, 2020 from his home in Ruyonza, Rubaare Sub-county on charges of shooting at a vehicle carrying agents of his opponent Naome Kabasharira and injuring them during the NRM primary elections in Rushenyi County Constituency.
He was subsequently charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery, malicious damage, assault and threatening violence.
However, aggravated robbery charges were yesterday dropped by the prosecution in court.
On November 3, 2020 Mr Rukutana was expected in court but did appear, on account of being sick. Court issued criminal summons to him to appear at another date.
Rukutana was defeated by Ms Kabasharira, former Ntungamo District Woman MP, in the January 14 general elections.
Kabasharira received 22,152 votes against Rukutana’s 19,417.
