FORMER Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya was yesterday charged before the Anti-corruption Court over the botched Chogm 2007 car deal. He denied the charge.
In the second case, however, his lawyers and those of the Inspectorate of Government clashed over its drafting, prompting Magistrate Sarah Langa Siu to adjourn the case to June 30 for a ruling.
Bukenyas lawyer, Macdus-man Kabega, complained that his client is being charged with Motor Care (U) Limited, whose directors or staff were not mentioned.
Instead, a lawyer introduced as counsel in the case, took the stand to take plea. He said Bukenyas co-accused cannot be faceless.
The company is being represented by counsel, but he had earlier been recorded as counsel for the second suspect (Motorcare). He cannot therefore take plea on Motorcares behalf, Kabega said when Fred Makada took the stand.
Kabega also complained that Bukenya is accused of committing fraudulent acts which are not defined in law.
He said the law defines a corrupt act and fraudulent practices, but not a fraudulent act.
But IGGs lawyer, Sydney Asubo, shot back, saying the company can choose who represents it.
He said he knows that criminal prosecution of a company is unprecedented, but that does not mean it is improper.
Asubo also said what is needed in the case is to prove the acts and not that the charge sheet reads fraudulent act.
What is important is for the accused to be left in no doubt as to why he is being charged. The accused will have opportunity to cross examine witnesses, Asubo said.
Bukenya told journalists at the court that he was alright. He, however, lost his temper when they incessantly photographed him.
Leave me alone, he said as he impatiently waved them away. This is too much. I am a normal man, Bukenya said.
In the second case, however, his lawyers and those of the Inspectorate of Government clashed over its drafting, prompting Magistrate Sarah Langa Siu to adjourn the case to June 30 for a ruling.
Bukenyas lawyer, Macdus-man Kabega, complained that his client is being charged with Motor Care (U) Limited, whose directors or staff were not mentioned.
Instead, a lawyer introduced as counsel in the case, took the stand to take plea. He said Bukenyas co-accused cannot be faceless.
The company is being represented by counsel, but he had earlier been recorded as counsel for the second suspect (Motorcare). He cannot therefore take plea on Motorcares behalf, Kabega said when Fred Makada took the stand.
Kabega also complained that Bukenya is accused of committing fraudulent acts which are not defined in law.
He said the law defines a corrupt act and fraudulent practices, but not a fraudulent act.
But IGGs lawyer, Sydney Asubo, shot back, saying the company can choose who represents it.
He said he knows that criminal prosecution of a company is unprecedented, but that does not mean it is improper.
Asubo also said what is needed in the case is to prove the acts and not that the charge sheet reads fraudulent act.
What is important is for the accused to be left in no doubt as to why he is being charged. The accused will have opportunity to cross examine witnesses, Asubo said.
Bukenya told journalists at the court that he was alright. He, however, lost his temper when they incessantly photographed him.
Leave me alone, he said as he impatiently waved them away. This is too much. I am a normal man, Bukenya said.
