Ntungamo Chief Magistrate's court has issued criminal summons against Labour state minister Mwesigwa Rukutana following his failure to appear for trial for attempted murder, assault, malicious damage and threatening violence.
The minister, who was expected to appear before Ntungamo chief magistrate, Sara Mponye Kolya on Tuesday was again a no show. His lawyer, Owen Mulangira informed the magistrate that his client was unavailable because he is sick.
The state prosecutor, Baine Eunice asked the magistrate to issue criminal summons against Rukutana, saying his absence has delayed the continuation of the trial. Mulangira pleaded with court in vain not to issue criminal summons against Rukutana, saying he wasn't feeling well and it is a constitutional right to seek medicare.
However, Kolya overruled Mulangira's plea and issued the summons. She adjourned the matter to next year on January 20. The prosecution alleges that on September 5, while at Kagugu in Rushenyi, Rukutana shot and injured a person during the National Resistance Movement party primaries.
He was jointly arrested together with his three bodyguards from his home in Kagugu in Rushenyi and arraigned in court where he was charged with inciting violence, attempted murder by shooting and malicious damage to property.
The minister, who was expected to appear before Ntungamo chief magistrate, Sara Mponye Kolya on Tuesday was again a no show. His lawyer, Owen Mulangira informed the magistrate that his client was unavailable because he is sick.
The state prosecutor, Baine Eunice asked the magistrate to issue criminal summons against Rukutana, saying his absence has delayed the continuation of the trial. Mulangira pleaded with court in vain not to issue criminal summons against Rukutana, saying he wasn't feeling well and it is a constitutional right to seek medicare.
However, Kolya overruled Mulangira's plea and issued the summons. She adjourned the matter to next year on January 20. The prosecution alleges that on September 5, while at Kagugu in Rushenyi, Rukutana shot and injured a person during the National Resistance Movement party primaries.
He was jointly arrested together with his three bodyguards from his home in Kagugu in Rushenyi and arraigned in court where he was charged with inciting violence, attempted murder by shooting and malicious damage to property.
Source
