Terrorism suspects denied treatment for alleged torture injuries

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Five people accused of terrorism have asked High Court International Crimes Division Judge Andrew Bashaijja to compel prison authorities to take them to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Through their lawyer Zephania Zzimbe, the group including Ibrah Muwonge commonly known as Kimbowa Ibrah, Mustafa Lule, Wycliff Makabayi, Opio Patrick commonly known as Wasswa and Vincent Ssenyonga told Court that they were tortured and suffered bruises and pain on their body.

According to Zzimbe, Muwonge complains of chest pain, having been allegedly tortured at CMI headquarters in Mbuya after his arrest Makabayi suffered bruises and pain in the right leg.

However, the Judge declined to direct the prison authorities to take the suspects to the hospital saying that there was no proof that they asked for treatment and it was denied.

The judge remanded the suspects to 27th May 2024 with an order to the prosecution to avail the accused persons and their lawyers of the evidence they intend to bring against them so that they can prepare their defense.

Nakaseke Central Member of Parliament  Allan Mayanja Sebunya asked the Court to expedite the trial against the suspects.

Evidence before the Court indicates that the group committed the offense on 15th December 2022 at Bukasa and Bukomba villages, Nakikokota parish in Luwero district for purposes of intimidating the public interfering with the electric system by cutting down six electric distribution poles resulting in the disruption of electricity supply in the districts of Nakaseke and Luwero.

It is also alleged that between November and December 2022at Kivuuvu, Mpoma, and Nsanvu villages in Nama sub-county Mukono district the accused persons destroyed 12 Electricity Transmission High Voltage pylons on Owen falls Lugogo Transmission line, Bujagali –Kiwanda line and Owen falls Namanve which resulted into disruption of electricity in Uganda.

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