Jailed Shiekh Kawooya denied bail

Kampala, Uganda | GODFREY SSALI | The Court of Appeal on Thursday denied convicted Sheikh Siraje Kawooya bail to allow him persue his appeal challenging the life sentence that was handed to him for committing acts of terrorism against the murdered Muslim Clerics, last year.

Judge Christopher Madrama dismissed Sheikh Kawooya’s bail application on grounds that Sheikh is convicted of a grave offense and can no longer enjoys the presumption of innocence.

The judge also noted that Sheikh Kawooya was sentenced to serve the second most severe sentence to death, which makes it probable that he might abscond if released on bail .

Justice Madrama also ruled that Sheikh Kawooya had brought no proof to show that his health condition needs a special diet and cannot withstand prison conditions.

The judge instead directed the registrar of the International Crimes Division court to forward the record of proceedings, to the Court of Appeal within 45 days to enable Sheikh Kawooya prosecute his appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence.

However ; his lawyer Friday Roberts Kagoolo told court that his client is dissatisfied with the decision to deny him bail and he will make an appeal to a panel of three justices .