The adjournment of his bail hearing to September 15th won’t be the only bad news former Deputy Attorney General and State Minister for Labour, Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana will receive today as we have learnt that the President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has asked the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions under the leadership of Justice Jane Frances Abodo to oppose Mwesigwa Rukutana’s bail application.
This came after he was arrested and charged for several attempted murder, assault, and threatening violence when he drew out a gun and allegedly shot at supporters of his opponent after his bitter loss.
As of today, Mwesigwa Rukutana appeared before the Chief Magistrate had his lawyers argue that the offences he had been charged with were bailable in the first place, that he had substantial sureties and finally that he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise or until he pleads as such. However, in response to these submissions by the defence, the Prosecution implored the learned Magistrate not to grant bail to the accused on grounds that the offence of attempted murder is of a grievous nature and its punishment is so severe. Court however, adjourned the matter to 15th September, 2020 and remanded the accused back to Kakiika Prison.
“In the exercise of the functions conferred on him or her by this article, the Director of Public Prosecutions shall not be subject to the article, the Director of Public Prosecutions shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.”
Art. 120 (6) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (As amended).
However, the President’s requests to fight down Rukutana’s bail application has left many wondering whether the “Old man with a hat” does not understand the doctrine of Independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution which dictates that while exercising their duties, the office of the D.P.P. shall be independent of the influence of any person, body or organization. For the President to make such remarks, some might interpret such acts as one that disrupts such independence.
