Government has opposed efforts by Prof. Gilbert Bukenya to halt his trial on corruption charges.
Bukenya has today appeared before the Constitutional Court, seeking a temporary injunction halting the trial that is before the Anti-Corruption Court.
Prof. Bukenya is being prosecuted on alleged charges of abuse of office arising from procurement deals for vehicles and motor bikes, ahead of the 2007 Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting.
He is however challenging the trial, saying the decisions taken by the CHOGM Cabinet sub-committee which he chaired, were collective and not taken at individual level.
He argues that the office of the Vice President is not independent and that he can’t be prosecuted for acting on behalf of the President.
Principal state attorney Henry Oluka has however asked Court to dismiss the application, which he says is challenging the constitutional mandate of the Inspectorate of Government and the Directorate of Public prosecution.
Oluka says Bukenya is not immune to prosecution and that the petition filed before the Court does not stand a chance.
He has asked court to dismiss the application, adding that Bukenya could always seek civil redress if he feels treated unfairly during the trial.
Bukenya’s Lawyer Macdusmand Kabega however says they are not challenging the mandate of the prosecution but are asking whether he should be prosecuted for acting on behalf of the president.
The Deputy Chief Justice Alice Bahigeine Mpagi says the ruling will be given on notice.
Story by Ruth Anderah
