Kakwenza remanded to Kitalya
The Buganda Road Magistrates’ Court has charged and remanded renown book writer Rukira-bashaija Kakwenza to Kitalya Government Prison until January 21, 2022
Rukira who faces charges of offensive communication under section C/S 25 of the computer misuse act 2011 ,was presented briefly in court on Tuesday morning , in the absence of cameras and the public.
Kakwenza reportedly arrived at the Buganda road court at about 10 am on Tuesday morning in a tinted vehicle and was presented in court shortly before being read to the charges. Our court reporter Rashidah Nakaayi says the process was so swift that Kakwenza was hardly seen.
Presiding Magistrate Douglas Singiza charged Kakwenza with two counts of offensive communication, to which he pleaded “not guilty” before being remanded to Kitalya Prison.
Prosecution alleges that between December 26 and 28,2021 while in Kampala, Kakwenza willfully and repeatedly used his twitter handle to disturb the peace of his excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba with no purpose of legitimate communication.
On Monday,the Civil Division of the High court granted an application for a writ of habeas corpus to the detained novelist to appear in court within 48 hours.
The purpose for a writ of habeas corpus is to review the legality of the applicant’s arrest, imprisonment and detention and challenge the authority holding the applicant. The application is used when a person is held without charges or is denied due process.
Kakwenza remanded to Kitalya
High Court presided over by Musa Ssekaana ordered the security operatives to produce the body of Kakwenza whether dead or alive on January 12, 2022 at 10:00 am.
Justice Sekaana directed that Brig Peter Candia (Commander SFC), Grace Akulo (Director CID), Martin Okoth Ochola (IGP) and Attorney General of Uganda to release the body of Kakwenza.
On Tuesday last week, the Makindye Grade One Magistrate Irene Nambatya issued an order directing the government to unconditionally release Kakwenza on grounds that he was in detention for more than the mandatory 48 hours, hence a violation to his constitutional right to liberty and fair hearing. However,despite the court order, the novelist remained in detention at an unknown destination.
Kakwenza was arrested on December 28th 2021 from his home in Kisaasi, Nakawa Division after plain clothed officers armed with guns, driving in UBE 894M and UBH 163U broke into his home. He was taken into detention at the Crime Intelligence facility in Bukoto until Monday last week when he was escorted by security operatives to conduct a search at his home in Iganga.
Compiled by Rashidah Nakaayi
