Court martial continue to remand Kitatta for his own safety

By Racheal Najjuma

25^th March 2019

The Patron of the Bodaboda 2010, Abdullah Kitatta has been transferred to Luzira Maximum Prison, allegedly for his own safety.

The Chairperson of the General Court Martial, Lt General Andrew Gutti took the decision after a request by Army Prosecutor, Captain Samuel Masereje who argued that the continued detention of Kitatta at the Military barracks in Makindye put his life at risk.

Kitatta’s lawyer Shaban Sanywa had initially objected to the transfer recalling that his client was brought into the military barracks for his own safety but was overruled by Gutti who remanded Kitatta until April 8, 2019.

Kitatta was arrested in January 2018 together with 10 other Bodaboda 2010 members, among them, Matia Senfuka, Joel Kibirige, Hassan Ssemata, Jonathan Kayondo, Ssengooba Hassan, Sande Ssemwogerere, John Ssebandeke, Hussein Mugema, Fred Bwanika and Amon Twinomujuni and  were all charged with offences related to unlawful possession of military hardware.

Meanwhile, the defense team has closed its case after three of their witnesses absconded them included; Sergeant Allan Matsiko, one of Kitatta’s bodyguards, Private Kenneth Okello who was reportedly in charge of the Armory where guns were obtained from, and the Manager of Vine Hotel where Kitatta was arrested from.