Buganda Road Court has Tuesday rejected a bail application filed by Gen. (rtd) Henry Tumukunde.
The presiding judge Wilson Kwesigwa told Tumukunde in a televised video conferencing session that his bail couldn’t be considered because of the current lockdown which restricts movement and contacts of individuals.
The lockdown was ordered by the President as a measure to curtail the spread spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Secondly the judge said he found Tumukunde’s sureties lacking because as former a serving military officer he should have at least presented two soldiers at his rank and with a clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Tumukunde retired from the army a three star General, the second highest position in the UPDF.
The judge said until these two grounds are rectified, Tumukunde’s request for bail will be reconsidered.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is today Tuesday expected to address the nation and guide on the extension of the lockdown.
It is hugely anticipated that Museveni will extend the shutdown for more 3 weeks.
On Monday the judiciary tweeted that Tumukunde’s application will be streamed live, “We shall stream live the session live from Buganda Road Court. Follow all the proceedings online”
Gen. Tumukunde was arrested at his Kololo offices by a joint force of police, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and Special Forces Command operatives (SFC) March 12, .
He was later produced before city hall grade one magistrate Valerian Tumuhimbise and charged with treason and unlawful possession of fire arms contrary to section 3 (1) of the fire arms amendment act Cap 299. He is currently on remand at Luzira prison.
His arrest came shortly after he announced that he would challenge Museveni for presidency. Museveni has been in power for over 35 years.