The State Minister for Finance and Planning also a member of Parliament for Ntejeru North Constituency Hon. Amos Lugolobi has been charged with two counts of dealing with suspect property.
Court presided over by Justice Albert Asimwe postponed the Minister’s bail ruling and remanded him to Luzira prison until April 20, 2023.
The embattled Minister was presented on Monday before the Anti -corruption court from police custody at Kira Division where he spent three cold nights.
He was spotted with a cannular on the hand and was sobbing in court with eyes pleading for mercy.
Represented by his lawyers John Isabirye and Tonny Tumukunde, Lugoolobi pleaded not guilty to all charges read against him. His lawyers proceeded to apply for his bail on grounds that the Minister has a heart disease and is on medication for Asthma and Diabetes.
They presented documents from the heart institute and provided proof that their client was intercepted on his way home from Hospital and has since carried medicine prescribed to him from the Aga Khan hospital.
They proceeded to present sureties to court including; Hon. Nayigaga Mariam,Namutumba District woman mp, Hon James Kakooza MP East African Parliament, Hon Kefa Kiwanuuka Mp Kiboga East all friends for over ten years. Others are Paul Mugambwa Ssempa, Martin Ssekajja , Joseph Muvawaala and Kalwaga Kaliisa Moses.
The lawyers also forwarded land titles, one of his home in Lukuli Makindye Division and other documents.
They pleaded with presiding Judge Albert Asimwe to grant him bail since he is a Member of Parliament and a Minister in this government whose place of residence is well known. and he presented a certificate of land title of his home in Lukuli Makindye Division.
The State represented by Stanley Moses and Samunyu Daniel told court that inquires in the matter not yet complete and prayed for an adjournment. The State also objected to the bail request stating that investigations will be done in a short time and Lugoloobi’s release would only interfere with ongoing investigations.
They further requested the court to grant them between two to three days to verify details of the land titles and other documents they have received.
The state also argued that much as Hon. Lugolobi is sick, he is not in a life threatening position and can be managed within the prison’s health facilities.
Justice Asimwe postponed the bail ruling to April 20th, 2023 on grounds that he needed at least two days to examine all documents presented to him including land titles and bank statements.
Compiled By Rashidah Nakaayi
