The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The two suspects facing trial for staging a protest calling for the removal of the Health Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine were disappointed on Tuesday morning when they learnt that their case had been pushed to November 25, 2021.
Augustine Ojobile and Sharif Kawooya are accused of inciting violence when they dropped a coffin of a baby at Mulago National Referral Hospital on July 27th, 2021 and called for the annulment of Atwine’s appointment for alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 funds.
They were arrested from Kawempe and Kasubi last month following a manhunt by the police and arraigned before the LDC magistrate’s court on September 6th, 2021.
The Presiding Magistrate, Augustine Lule released the duo on bail and ordered them to return to court on Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 for the mention of their case.
The suspects showed up at the court as ordered but Dr. Diana Atwine and the magistrate were no show. They later received a document from the clerk to the court informing them to return on November 25th, 2021.
Ojobile expressed displeasure with the development, describing the delay as a tactic to discourage them from pursuing their demands against Dr Atwine. He, however, said that they will not give up until Dr. Atwine appears in court in person.
The accused lawyer, Derrick Lutalo told URN that while the magistrate communicated that he was engaged in training elsewhere, the absence of Dr. Atwine could be a clear sign of sufficient evidence to pin the suspects.
“It is unfortunate that the court session was not possible today. However, as we wait for disclosure in November, we hope there is evidence to pin the accused so that this entire process does not end up a waste of time and resources for my clients,” he said.
***
URN
