Rwenzururu Premier Applies for Bail Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Prime Minister Yowana Tembo Kitsumbire has asked Jinja High Court to have him released on bail.
Kitsumbire who was arrested on December 15 last year following the Rwenzori region bloodshed earlier in November, through his lawyers told Justice Eva Luswata that it was his right to get bail.
“He is of advanced age (64 years), presumed innocent until proven guilty and will not interfere with investigations once released,” the lead lawyer Caleb Alaka told the judge.
According to the lawyers, the Rwenzururu Prime minister is sickly and suffering from hypertension, ulcers and prostate related problems.
“These are the reasons he was transferred to Luzira in order to have access to medical treatment.”
The lawyers also presented 3 sureties including Busongora South Member of Parliament Jackson Mbaju and the premier’s son Moses Abili to stand surety for him.
Asked by Justice Luswata where Kitsumbire would be residing after release, the lawyers said he would stay at his son’s place in Wakiso.
The state however asked court not to release the Prime minister on bail saying he would interfere with investigations which are still ongoing.
“Being the Prime minister, he is an influential figure and will interfere with investigations,” said State Attorney James Muliro.
He however said that in case of release, stringent terms and conditions should be put in place.
Justice Eva Luswata however said she would decide on whether to grant Kitsumbire bail or not on March 14. The Rwenzururu Prime minister is charged with a number of offences including murder, terrorism, treason and robbery among others in relation to the November 2016 violence.
The violence climaxed with the arrest of the Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere and his palace overrun.