The Uganda People's Defense Forces General Court Martial in Makindye did not kick off the trial in which 32 supporters of the National Unity Platform are accused of being in illegal possession of explosive devices over the absence of some accused persons.
The failure was due to the absence of two of the accused persons identified as Swaibu Katabi on grounds that he is unwell and Muhydin Kakooza who was reportedly been taken for a mental examination as earlier ordered by the Court when he became chaotic in the previous session which resulted in an order for his examination.
Katabi and Kakooza are jointly charged with 30 others including Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Jimmy Galukande, Paul Muwanguzi, Kenneth Kamanya, Sharif Matovu, Shafiq Ngobi, Davis Mafabi, Abdallah Hakim Gibusiwa, Livingstone Katushabe Kigozi, Obalai Siraji Mudebo, Joseph Muganza and Stanley Lwanga.
Others are Yasin Ssekitoleko alias Machete, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, Ronald Mayiga, Patrick Mwase, Simon Kijambo, Abdu Matovu, Richard Nyombi, Olivia Lutaaya, Ronald Kijambo, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Mesach Kiwanuka, Abdalla Kintu, Umar Emma Kato and Musa Kavuma.
The group and others still at large are accused of being in illegal possession of 13 pieces of explosive devices which are ordinarily the monopoly of the defense forces.
The prosecution also alleges that the crime was committed between November 2020 and May 2021 in the areas of Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Natete, and Kampala Central.
On Monday, the group appeared before the Court presided over by Lt General Andrew Gutti where the trial was expected to kick off.
Meanwhile, the lawyers representing the suspects Abdullah Kiwanuka and George Musisi informed Court that they had not been served with the evidence the Prosecutors want to rely on for trial.
Court also heard that the Defense lawyers had express instructions to proceed with hearing of the case in the absence of the two other suspects.
In his response, however, the Army Prosecutors led by Lt Col Raphael Mugisha opposed the request by the defense to proceed to hear the case in the absence of two suspects saying that it will not be fair and just in criminal matters.
On the failure to share the evidence they intend to rely on, Mugisha told Court that they are willing to share it with the Defense and promised that they pass through the Prosecutors office after Court.
Gutti has adjourned the case to tomorrow Tuesday with hopes that the two accused persons will be present and documents shared with the defense.
Shortly after the adjournment, Kiwanuka and Musisi went to the office of the Prosecutors but were informed that the documents they want to share with them are not yet ready and will be ready tomorrow morning.
