One of the lawyers representing the 32 people accused of masterminding the killing of Muslim clerics in various areas throughout the country has said the state is secretly preparing fresh charges for them, relating to Allied Democratic Forces.
Over 30 people were arrested from Uganda and abroad and charged with terrorism and murder in relation to the 2014 and 2015 killings of Muslim clerics including Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga, (Bwebajja) Sheikh Abdhukhadir Ductor Muwaya (Mayuge) and Sheikh Hassan Kirya(Bweyogerere)
The suspects include Sheikh Yunus Kamoga, Sheikh Siraje Kawooya, Abdulsalam, Abdulhamid Sematimba, Rashid Jingo, Twaha Sekkitto, Yusuf Kakande alias Abdallah, Sheikh Murta Mudde Bukenya, Kakim Kinene Muswaswa, Muzamilu Kasawuli, Arafa Serunjoji, Badru Bukenya, Alex Okot, Joseph Olanya, and Amir Kinene.
Others are Charles Okidi, Sheikh Fahad Kalungi, Pte Arajab Mubajje, Aisha Nakasibante, Issa Matanda, Abdul Ratif Byamukama, Asadu Ssemwongerere, Yusuf Sentamu, Solomon Kibirige, Safiyi Wadwali, Swafi Shafi, Hamuza Kasirye, , Robert Bampikye, Muhamadi Kalodo, Musa Isa Mubiru, Ismail Ssentongo and Iga George William.
However on Monday, Twaha Mayanja, one of the defense lawyers told the pre-trial hearing session at the High Court in Kampala that he has been informed by the suspects that they are scheduled to appear before the Chief Magistrates Court to be charged afresh.
“I have been informed that 16 of the 32 suspects are to be charged afresh of aiding and abetting ADF at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday,17,August,”Mayanaja told court.
“The suspects have been notified through production warrants but their lawyers know nothing formal about it.”
He said that there was no need of charging them afresh since the same charges are contained in the earlier indictment; stressing it was wrong for the state to continue violation of his clients’ rights.
“We (defense lawyers) see it as a violation of their rights with ill motives by the state.”
The justice Duncan Gaswaga however advised the lawyer to formally complain the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions before it is too late.