Hamuza Farouk Kintu, also known as Tonny Anthony Mayambala Mugabi, has been remanded to Luzira prison on charges of being in possession of a firearm without a valid certificate.
The Buganda Road Magistrates Court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Sienna Owomugisha heard that Kintu was found in possession of a UPDF uniform, UPDF rain jacket bearing marks of the army, and Uganda Police Force boots, which are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. He has also been charged with unlawful possession of government stores.
Kintu, who is a street beggar and a resident of Biina Mutungo, regularly carried out his begging activities along Namirembe Road and around the mosque next to Arua Park.
He had reportedly claimed to have been a soldier in the National Resistance Army -NRA which brought President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to power.
The prosecution led by State Attorney Lydia Nakato has informed the court that inquiries are complete and asked for a hearing date. However, Kintu, who was brought to court in a wheelchair, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The magistrate has remanded him until May 8th, 2023, for the hearing of his case.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango had earlier informed the media that Kintu had been under security surveillance on suspicion of being in possession of stolen bullets. Kintu had no lawyer or surety in court, and he was told he has a right to apply for bail.
