Mabirizi reacts as Gov’t moves to take over his case against Gen Muhoozi

Mabirizi fears the Government through the DPP is trying to shield the General from being brought to account.

The self-styled lawyer last week on August 18, filed a criminal case at the Kumi Chief Magistrates Court against the First Son and some of the members of his team.

In the case, he listed 10 criminal offenses supposedly committed by Gen Muhoozi, Speaker Among, and his co-accused when they held and addressed a public rally in Kachumba Sub County in Bukedea District.

By addressing the political rally as a serving member of the UPDF, Mabirizi argued that the General was liable to several offenses including among others," scandalous conduct, conduct prejudicial to good order, and being a common nuisance.” 

Some of the other persons listed as respondents in the case include Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers Ruth Aceng, Peter Ogwang, Esther Mbayo, Moses Magogo, and Haruna Kasolo. Others include Balaam Barugahare, Twaha Kagabo, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and Nathan Igeme Nabeeta.

To his disappointment, however, on Monday this week, the DPP’s office wrote to the Kumi Court, expressing interest in taking over the case.

In the letter, Christine Byamugisha, the Kumi Resident State Attorney informed the Chief Magistrate that the DPP was to “take over and continue with the prosecution of the above case.”

“We hence, request to be notified of the hearing date to enable us to make necessary preparations and attend court on that date.

"By copy hereof, Mr Mabirizi is informed of the DPP'S intention to take over and continue the conduct of proceedings in this case, and is further requested to avail us with reasonable information, assistance, and documents in his possession or control, in the rest of the case as required under section 43(1)(c) of the Magistrate Court Act.”

Lawyer Mabirizi however, yesterday rushed to Kumi to challenge this move.

In a motion filed before the court, the lawyer told the court the case takeover was “premature” as he was yet to make a submission on his applications for summons upon which the court would determine if the charges were valid or null and void.

As such, he asked the court to halt the case takeover, pending this process.