The Mbale Grade One Magistrate, Andrew Katumbuki has indefinitely suspended a case, in which the National Unity Platform-NUP party President, Robert Kyagulanyi sued top security officials for blocking his radio talk show on BCU FM.
Katumbuki adjourned the case on Wednesday morning citing noncompliance with the Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures in Court.
He argued that there were so many people in court, which undermines the social distancing aspect of preventing the spread of Covid-19.
Three weeks ago, Kyagulanyi ran to court after the security officials blocked his radio talk show on the Mbale City based BCU FM weeks ago.
Kyagulanyi, through his Lawyers of Wameli & Co. Advocates, contends that the actions of the respondents, their agents and those who acted under them are not acceptable or demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.
The respondents are; Mbale Resident District Commissioner, Sulaiman Ogajjo Barasa, Mbale District Police Commander, Fred Ahimbisibwe and District Internal Security Officer-DISO, George Mwondah and Elgon Region Police Commander, Wesely Nganizi among others to appear for cross examination after Kyagulanyi’s lawyer Medard Lubega Ssegona told court that the respondents had served them late with their defense.
The respondents turned up in court as directed but the magistrate declined to hear the case on grounds that the court was filled to capacity contrary to the Health Ministry guidelines. He faulted the applicants for failing to control large gatherings in court.
He adjourned the matter indefinitely, saying the applicant’s lawyer will apply for a fresh hearing date when the country normalizes.