KAMPALA: Prosecution asks court to Convict Tumukunde

By Ephraim Kasozi & Juliet Kigongo

The prosecution has asked a court martial to convict the former spy chief, Brig. Henry Tumukunde, for allegedly spreading harmful propaganda on a radio talk show seven years ago.

The prosecutor, Capt. Fred Kangwamu, told the General Court Martial at Makindye that they had proved their case through three witnesses to warrant a conviction.

“Based on the evidence adduced before the court, it is our prayer that it convicts the accused person,” Capt. Kangwamu said in the final submissions yesterday.

Brig. Tumukunde appeared before a fully packed court chaired by Brig. Fred Tolit for the hearing of submissions from the prosecution after he opted to remain silent when asked to defend himself.

He is facing charges of alleged spreading harmful propaganda and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, a charge to which he was arraigned in court since May 30, 2005.

Capt. Kangwamu said witnesses; Col. Felix Kulayigye the army and defence spokesperson, Mr Ronald Kabugo (Makerere University lecturer) and a one Pt Zacharia from Internal Security Organisation (ISO) had proved that the senior army officer appeared on the radio talk show on May 5, 2005.

However, Brig. Tumukunde who has since denied any wrong doing, maintained that prosecution had failed in its case because there was neither a voice expert nor a witness from the radio to proof their case.

Court heard that the then spy chief, without permission from the appropriate authorities, appeared on the talk show hosted by Mr David Mushabe and made a public speech and/or statements, an act that is prejudicial to order and discipline of the army.

Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the case to February 13 for Brig. Tumukunde to reply and court make its final decision.

Source: Daily Monitor (25/01/2013): http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Prosecution-asks-court-to-Convict-Tumukunde/-/688334/1674564/-/19xksr/-/index.html