Kakwenza ordered not to speak to the media
Novelist Rukirabashaija Kakwenza has finally been released from Kitalya government prison on a cash bail of 500,000 shs cash .
Rukira Bashaija had appeared before the Buganda Magistrate’s Court from Prison via zoom technology for the ruling on his bail. According to our Court reporter Rashidah Nakaayi, he looked thinner and miserable clad in a navy blue and white checked shirt with black trousers. Kakwenza was escorted by a female prison warden to am empty room with only one wooden chair spared for him. He sat quietly awaiting the positive news of his release after close to one month under incarceration at various facilities.
The presiding Chief Magistrate Douglas Singiza ruled in his favour on grounds that his case is bailable and he presented substantial sureties.
“The accused person has presented credible sureties some of whom are lawyers while others are political leaders of one of the political parties. Given the circumstances of this case, it is my considered view that it is not even necessary to consider expensive bail conditions in monetary terms. I therefore release the accused person on bail,” said Singiza
Among the sureties bonded and 10 million shillings non cash include; Wadda Richard, Ashaba Annah(friend to Rukira), David Lewis Lubogoya and Julius Galisonga. They all presented their substantial requirements including National Identification Cards and letters from their LC’s. The Magistrate also directed that the National IDs for are not retained by courts while granting bail.
As part of the bail requirements all parties were barred from speaking or commenting about the case in the public.
“All parties in this case are specifically barred from discussing this matter in the media. Particularly the accused person and the defence are advised not to discuss this matter in the media as a breach of this condition will lead to automatic collapse of the bail,” Dr. Singiza said.
The matter was adjourned February, 01, 2022.
Kakwenza ordered not to speak to the media
Rukira, who faces charges of offensive communication under section C/S 25 of the computer misuse act 2011, applied for bail last week ,but was further remanded until today when the ruling had to be given.
His lawyer Eron Kiiza told court that the accused was in need of proper medical attention because he had been tortured while in custody. Kiiza further told court that the case he faces in court is accused, is bailable.
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.
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.
