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Isngiro, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Retired Major Stephen Rwakanuma, the Operation Wealth Creation-OWC Coordinator in Isingiro District has asked the army General Court Martial to release him on bail.
The 65-year-old is battling charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and military uniform contrary to the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act.
Rwakanuma 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.
His lawyers led by Dr. David Mushabe and Major Samuel Maserejje told court that the charges against their client are bailable and that he is of advanced age.
Maserejje submitted that Rwakanuma has a fixed place of aboard in Rwebicuncu Nyabugando Nshenyi in Isingiro District, which is within the jurisdiction of the court.
He also told court that his client has substantial sureties who understand their roles and will be able to ensure that he is in court whenever needed.
The sureties included Major Nathan Musiime, the Political Commissar Kaweweta Training School, Major Moses Muyomba and businessman, Ezra Rugonde.
The Army Prosecutor Captain, Ambrose Baguma asked court to give them a week to respond to the bail application, which was granted.
General Gutti remanded Rwakanuma to Makindye Military Police Barracks until August 10th, 2020.
Details of the case
Prosecution alleges that on May 22, 2020 while at Rwebicuncu Nyabugando Nshenyi in Isingiro District, Rwakanuma 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.
Rwakanuma was arrested by operatives attached to Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence before they handed him to the Court Martial about two months ago.
