Former Security Minister, Lt. General Henry Tumukunde has Wednesday morning appeared before City Hall Magistrate’s Court pleading that the state be directed to expedite investigations into the cases of treason and illegal possession of firearms slapped against him.
Tumukunde appeared before court for the first time today following his release from Luzira prison last week where he had spent close to two months.
Through his lawyers, Anthony Wameli and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, the former security minister asked City Hall Senior Grade One, Magistrate Valerian Tumuhimbise that the State be given the last adjournment to conclude investigations in the matter.
Turyamusiima also prayed that his client being a presidential aspirant, needs time outside court to consult on his ambition. The State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo however objected to Tumukunde’s plea, saying it's still too early for the General to ask for the last adjournment.
Kyomuhendo told court that they are constrained by the prevailing conditions arising from the lockdown caused by Covid19 pandemic, which has affected investigations.
Tumuhimbise in his ruling said it is impractical for him to order the last adjournment in the matter and noted that given the March 19th, 2020 guidelines issued by the Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe that trials are suspended until further notice save for bail and other urgent applications, he would not direct the state to start trial.
Meanwhile, the former minister’s trouble started when he appeared on a local TV station on March 5th 2020 and reportedly called for the unlawful change of the legitimate Government of Uganda.
