MUKONO – The Mukono Chief Magistrate H/W Juliet Hatanga has Monday, May 27, issued a warrant of arrest to Uganda’s Ambassador to Burundi Rtd Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza and his bodyguards Cpl Peter Busindiche & Pt John Okurut for not honouring court summons issued to them.
H/W Hatanga said: “I have carefully listened to all of your submissions and court has zeroed down to issuing a warrant of arrest for the accused.”
The ruling follows a plea made by State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya on May 20 before court for the accused persons to be arrested not turning up.
The ruling was scheduled to determine whether the matter continues with or without the accused persons’ absence.
Counsel Caleb Alaka one of the defense lawyers told the court that his clients were facing similar trials in court-martial disciplinary unit which may lead to jeopardy since they are facing the same charges at Mukono Chief Magistrates court.
“Our clients are facing similar charges at the court-martial which is wastage of resources,” said Alaka.
However, State Muwaganya rejected the legal proceedings saying Mukono court to issued summons before the military disciplinary unit.
“The matter was first reported in Mukono Chief Magistrates court before the military court.”
Mr. Muwaganya further noted that Gen. Kyaligonza’s name is not appearing on the charge shit since he retired from the army.
He said: “Failure to respond to the criminal summons is a sign of disrespect to the court which requires a warrant of arrest.”
H/W Hatanga said that the accused are expected in court to take plea in person which their lawyers cannot do for them.
“The accused have to appear in court to take plea on June 10.”
However, Counsel Alaka says they are going to appeal in the matter to high court so that the warrant is dissolved.
Counsel Micheal Aboneka of Timothy and Micheal Co advocates the lawyer to the victim expressed his joy when court issued the warrant of arrest.
“We are happy that finally the procedural battle has been won.”
On February 24, the accused persons were arrested for assaulting and obstructing Sgt Esther Namaganda while at work in Seeta, Mukono District.