Drama ensued in the military General Court Martial this afternoon when Tonny Nsubuga Kipoi the former Bubulo West Member of Parliament turned criminal, protested being tried by Court chirmn Lt General Andrew Gutti.
The former legislator is being tried for offenses related to security along with six others. However today, everyone was shocked when Kipoi, through his lawyer, Rtd. Major Ronald Iduli asked Gen. Gutti to excuse himself from the trial on grounds that he is compromised and can't take independent decisions.
But Lt. Col Richard Tukacungurwa, the judge advocate wondered why the accused is raising the matter at this moment yet he didn't raise any objection at the start of the trial.
"We asked him whether he was okay with this panel and he said he had no problem. Why bring the issue right now when the trial has already started?" wondered Lt. Col Tukacungurwa.
The chairman angrily interjected accusing Kipoi’s lawyer of being retired and tired to the extent that he no longer remembers the law and court procedures. "I think you are mentally sick. It seems ever since you were retired from the Army you have been tired since then," Gutti angrily said.
A seemingly disappointed Iduli rose and explained that all he wanted was Lt. Gutti to follow the laid down procedures. He also argued that his client is protesting being remanded in the Military barracks instead of Luzira Maximum Prison.
In the end, Judge Advocate overruled Iduli's submission and adjourned the matter to December, 10th for further hearing. However, Iduli was silent prompting the court chairman and Lt Col Tukacungurwa to say that silence meant he was okay with the adjournment.
The former Bubulo legislator is accused together with RA 129817 SGT Okeng, RA 140400 L/CPL Rogers Mweru, RA 13014 SGT Yunus Lemertga, RA 2077006 PTE Ifosiga Saidi Dodla, RA 196740 L/CPL Cassim Adams Mawa, RA 37791 CPL James Shimali and RA 37702 CPL Yusuf Kiisa of contriving a plot to over through the government of Uganda.