Army Remands NUP’s James Mubiru over illegal possession of military attire

James Mubiru, the National Unity Platform’s Councilor-elect for Rubaga North councilor, who was recently pronounced dead by some NUP supporters, has been remanded to Makindye military barracks after being arraigned before the general court martial on Monday.

Mubiru was abducted and whisked away by security operatives at Kasubi market in Rubaga division three weeks ago.

In a court session presided over Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, Mubiru was charged with being in illegal possession of a military attire when he was allegedly found wearing a red beret, an emblem reserved for the armed forces.

“On November 18, 2020 at Nakulabye, you were found putting on a red beret which is a monopoly of the armed forces and an act which is contrary to section 164(i) of the UPDF Act 2005,” Lt Gen Gutti read the charges.

The accused however denied the charges prompting court to remand him to Makindye military barracks until April,23, 2021.

Prosecution also asked for more time on grounds that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

Mubiru’s appearance in Court today has shamed individuals who for days have been spreading false information that the Councillor elect had died. Upon learning that he appeared before court, they have now taken to claims that he was limping.

In fact, a video clip showing a semblance of a vigil at his home in Rubaga continues to make rounds as grieving relatives wept over the ‘death’ of their son.

Musiri David, a former Makindye West MP aspirant also posted a photo of a vigil that was was reportedly ongoing at the offices of the youthful Councillor.

Prior to his arrest, James Mubiru had been using both mainstream and social media to rally Ugandans to engage in protests after his party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu withdrew his petition which challenged President Yoweri Museveni’s victory.