The High Court in Kampala has deferred the ruling on the bail application filed by former Security Minister, Gen. Henry Tumukunde.
Gen. Tumukunde has been on remand at Luzira prison since March 18 on charges of treason and unlawful possession of guns and ammunition.
Justice Wilson Kwesiga, on Tuesday ruled that Gen. Tumukunde had proved that he is of advanced age(61) and indeed he had a fixed residence in Kololo which is within the court’s jurisdiction, but considering the current lockdown, he could not allow him to be released for fear of breaching the set guidelines.
The presiding judge also said Gen. Tumukunde lacked substantial surities to support his bail application.
In his bail application, Lt. Gen.Henry Tumukunde presented Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Salaam Musumba, Stella Tumukunde(wife) and Hannington Karuhanga( his brother) as his sureties.
“I am not able to prove how substantial the sureties are. There should have been at least two serving military officers of his rank or higher,” Justice Kwesiga said.
He said that the influence Gen Tumukunde has as a retired military officer, the surities should be able to compel him to abide with the condition of his bail set by court.
He advised Gen. Tumukunde to reconsider his bail application by presenting more substantial sureties.
“Military officers seeking to be released on bail should furnish to court with sureties who can trace and compel them to abide by court orders.” he said.
He asked that the former spymaster remain at Luzira until when the lockdown is withdrawn and circumstances are fine for the court to entertain his bail.