Tumukunde Runs to High Court for Bail

Two days after he was sent on remand at Luzira Maximum prison over treason charges, former Security Minister retired Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has filed a bail application before the High Court’s criminal division.

 Through his lawyers, Anthony Wameli, Alex Luganda and Geoffrey Turyamusiima, Tumukunde wants to be released temporarily pending conclusion of his cases in which, he is charged with treason and unlawful possession of firearms.

In his application, the 61-year-old retired former minister argues that the charges he is facing are bailable. He also says his Constitutional right to liberty was infringed upon when he was detained in Kireka Special Investigations Unit for six days without being charged with any offense.    

Tumukunde notes that he is a family man, legally married to Stella Tumukunde, with whom they have sired seven children who are finding difficulties to survive at the moment given that he is the sole bread winner.  

In his affidavit accompanying the application, Tumukunde states in his affidavit that he is a Presidential aspirant and yet to start his country wide consultations in preparation for the 2021 general Elections. The affidavit is backed by his February 28, 2020 letter notifying Electoral Commission about his presidential bid.  

The General, who was remanded to Luzira prisons on Wednesday, says he is ready to abide by the bail condition and will not interfere with witnesses and investigations. He also contends that there’s a likelihood that his trial is most likely to delay since there’s no confirmed date as to when it will kick off.

Details of the case

Prosecution alleges that on March 5th 2020 while at NBS TV Kamokya in Kampala District, during the Morning Breeze Program, Tumukunde made statements calling for unlawful change of the legitimate Government of Uganda.  

He reportedly said that “If I was Rwanda I would wish to support people who want to cause change in Uganda” a statement, which prosecution says was aimed at instigating the Republic of Rwanda to invade Uganda to cause unlawful change of Government.

It is also alleged that on March 13 at Impala Avenue in Kampala District, Tumukunde was found illegal possession of an AK 47 rifle Registration number 19865 and a Star Pistol Registration number EL 860030. Tumukunde has since pleaded not guilty to the charges. The application hasn’t been fixed for hearing.