The military Court Martial has remanded Retired Major Stephen Rwakanuma, the Operation Wealth Creation-OWC Coordinator in Isingiro District, to Makindye Military Police Barracks until August 10th, 2020.
Rwakanuma 65-years appeared before the seven member panel of the Makindye based General Court Martial chaired by Lt. General Andrew Gutti on Tuesday where he applied for bail.
He is battling charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and military uniform contrary to the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act dating from May 22, 2020 when he was found in unlawful possession of a gun registration number 9857, 30 rounds of ammunition and UPDF uniform, which are ordinarily a monopoly of the Defense Forces.
The retired soldier was arrested at Rwebicuncu Nyabugando Nshenyi in Isingiro District,
Rwakanuma was arrested by operatives attached to Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence before they handed him to the Court Martial about two months ago.
On Tuesday, his lawyers led by Dr. David Mushabe and Major Samuel Maserejje told court that the charges against their client are bail-able and that he is of advanced age.
They further submitted that Rwakanuma has a fixed place of aboard in Rwebicuncu Nyabugando Nshenyi in Isingiro District, which is within the jurisdiction of the court and told the panel that their client has substantial sureties who understand their roles and will be able to ensure that he is in court whenever needed.
These included; Major Nathan Musiime the Political Commissar Kaweweta Training School, Major Moses Muyomba and businessman, Ezra Rugonde.
However, the Army Prosecutor Captain, Ambrose Baguma asked court to give them a week to respond to the bail application, which was granted.