A fight for release on bail

Lt Gen (ret) Henry Tumukunde

A retired Ugandan lieutenant general who stands accused of treason has again asked the High Court to order his release on bail pending his trial by court-martial. According to this report, he argues that there is no danger of his interfering with the evidence since the authorities have already gathered the evidence. He also says he cannot get sureties who are at or above his rank in the defence force or security apparatus because of the charges against him, and that the COVID-19 lockdown is immaterial because police and prosecutors are unaffected because they are essential services.

Uganda is a persistent violator of human rights jurisprudence (including under the African Charter of Human and Peoples' and Rights) that opposes the trial of civilians by military courts.