The Anti-Corruption Court was the scene of tears and drama as former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya was sent to Luzira Prison after he was committed to the High Court for trial and his bail cancelled. Prof. Bukenya is charged with abuse of office for his role in the award of a deal worth Shs9.4b to supply 204 executive vehicles four years ago during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to Motorcare.
Despite protests from Prof. Bukenyas lawyer, Mr MacDusman Kabega, challenging the powers of the Inspector General of Government to commit his client, Magistrate Irene Akankwasa cancelled his bail and sent him to Luzira. The accused person is hereby committed to High Court. His bail elapses and he is remanded to custody, held Ms Akankwasa.
Hit by the reality of prison, Prof. Bukenya broke down, tears rolling down his cheeks.
On his Facebook page, in a comment posted minutes later, Prof. Bukenya cut a forlorn image: My friends, I have been remanded to Luzira Prison as I have been committed to the High Court and my bail has been cancelled. However, my co-accused of Motorcare have been released without taking any plea and at no conditions. I will now start a new Prison chapter in Life and with your prayers, God will intervene.
With Prof. Bukenyas fate known, his supporters, who had thronged court, engaged security operatives in a heated exchange over which car the politician was to be transported in to prison. Court business came to a halt for about an hour as the head of the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), Mr Laban Muhabwe, struggled with Prof. Bukenyas driver to retrieve the politicians car keys.
Despite protests from Prof. Bukenyas lawyer, Mr MacDusman Kabega, challenging the powers of the Inspector General of Government to commit his client, Magistrate Irene Akankwasa cancelled his bail and sent him to Luzira. The accused person is hereby committed to High Court. His bail elapses and he is remanded to custody, held Ms Akankwasa.
Hit by the reality of prison, Prof. Bukenya broke down, tears rolling down his cheeks.
On his Facebook page, in a comment posted minutes later, Prof. Bukenya cut a forlorn image: My friends, I have been remanded to Luzira Prison as I have been committed to the High Court and my bail has been cancelled. However, my co-accused of Motorcare have been released without taking any plea and at no conditions. I will now start a new Prison chapter in Life and with your prayers, God will intervene.
With Prof. Bukenyas fate known, his supporters, who had thronged court, engaged security operatives in a heated exchange over which car the politician was to be transported in to prison. Court business came to a halt for about an hour as the head of the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VIPPU), Mr Laban Muhabwe, struggled with Prof. Bukenyas driver to retrieve the politicians car keys.