Plans are underway to arraign seven Ugandans currently detained in a prison in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before the General Court Martial, Security Minister Lt General Henry Tumukunde says.
Among them is Sam Mugumya, a member of the opposition Forum for Democratic Chang- FDC party whom Government says was engaged in subversive activities in Eastern DRC. He was allegedly arrested in possession of sensitive security documents.
The others Aggrey Kamukama, Steven Mugisha, Nathan Bright and Joseph Kamugisha, who have been detained in Eastern DRC since 2014. They are among several Ugandans who are reportedly accused of conducting a rebellion in the DRC territory.
While Lt General Tumukunde, did not give details on when and where they will be charged from, he told Parliament on Thursday evening that government is awaiting communication from DRC on the process and will provide legal services to them.
The Minister made a statement in response to concerns raised by opposition MPs last week calling for the release of Ugandans detained in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is estimated that over 300 Ugandans are languishing in different prisons within the DRC. Majority are being held on ground of involvement in rebel activities. Many of them have been linked to the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF, a rebel group that has been fighting the Ugandan government for years.
However, Tumukunde’s statement was met with dissatisfaction from Shadow Minister of Justice Medard Seggona, who questioned why the Ugandan government had not engaged the DRC administration for details on when Ugandan nationals will be formally charged.
Ndorwa East MP, Wilfred Niwagaba who doubles as Shadow Attorney General added that last week, two Ugandan intelligence officers were also arrested in DR Congo but were later released following intervention from government. He questioned why government could not do the same for other nationals.
In response, Tumukunde asked for more time to consult with government and make a comprehensive response on the matter.
Source:http://businessguideafrica.com/sam-mugumya-six-other-ugandans-to-face-court-martial-in-drc/
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
