KAMPALA, UGANDA: Court in Makindye has today (Tuesday) ordered for the unconditional release of Novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija who was facing charges of offensive communication against the person of Presidency and First Son Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Kakwenza who is famous for his novel The Greedy Barbarian was arrested last week on Tuesday by armed men who raided his home at Kisaasi, Nakawa Division in Kampala City.
Police would later come out to say that through his two tweets Rukirabashaija Kakwenza attacked the person of the President – H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his son, who also doubles as the commander of Land forces, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, using abusive words.
However, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday afternoon, Makindye Grade One Magistrate Irene Nambatya ordered that Kankweza be released unconditionally from police custody with no costs involved.
“It’s hereby ordered that the applicant be unconditionally released from police custody, every police officer should comply with the above order. No orders as to costs.” the ruling reads in part.
This ruling was delivered in presence of Kakwenza’s lawyers Eron Kiiza and Luyimbaazi Nalukoola. However, the Attorney General (the Respondent) was not represented.
The Lawyers in defense of their application told court that the applicant was arrested at his home in Kisasi on 28th December 2021 and that but ever since, none of his family members, relatives, and lawyers have been granted a chance to talk to him as provided for under the law.
Eron Kiiza one of the lawyers said his client needs immediate medical attention alleging that he was tortured while in custody.
It was also brought to the attention of court that the 48 hours’ mandatory detention period elapsed.
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