By: Kenneth Kazibwe
Feb 9,2016 4762 Viewed Be The First To Comment
Sejusa: Military Court Facing Huge Embarrassment |
Lawyers representing the former Coordinator Of Intelligence Organs Gen David Sejusa have asked the General Court Martial to halt charges against their client or face an embarrassment, Chimp Corps report.
In their submissions on Tuesday morning, the lawyers led by David Mushabe told court presided over by Maj. Gen. Levi Karuhanga that it was unfortunate for the army court to continue trying the renegade general yet there is an ongoing case in the High Court challenging his continued stay in the UPDF.
According to the lawyers, the laws of natural justice dictate that the army court first halt the trial for Sejusa as it awaits the civil High Court to pronounce itself on an almost similar case against the senior army officer.
“This is in interest of fair play and natural justice that the General Court Martial should let the High Court do its work and this will save the former court from embarrassment in case the High Court rules in his favour,” Mushabe told court.
The troubled General ponders on the next move
“It would be a total embarrassment in case the High Court rules that Gen Sejusa is no longer a serving army officer. Halting the case in the General Court Martial will in no way be an injustice to both the accused and the state but rather a measure to speed up justice.”
The defence lawyers argued that it is a prerequisite that all government organs and agencies work hand in hand to avoid contradiction adding that the same principle should be applied by the army court.
Sejusa is accused of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, absence without official leave and participation in partisan politics.
State Drags Feet
Meanwhile, the prosecution side led by Col Asingura Kagoro, Maj. Moses Buwaso, Maj. Raphael Mugisha and Lt. Ambrose Iguma told court that Sejusa’s lawyers had misused the doctrines of the law in a bid to suit their case.
“The defence lawyers are suggesting that there is an employer- employee relationship between Gen. Sejusa and the UPDF which is not true because in the army we only have service and nothing else,” the lawyers told court.
The ex spymaster listening attentively to the proceedings
Prosecution lawyers said they were well aware of the matter before the High Court but said this can only be disposed off after evidence being adduced adding they cannot predict its outcome.
“The matters before High Court should not be mixed before those before the General Court Martial. Gen Sejusa is still an officer subject to military law and the submissions of his lawyers are meant to delay justice,” said Col Kagoro.
Meanwhile the court chaired by Karuhanga adjourned the case for one hour to rule on the application by Sejusa’s lawyers.
http://www.chimpreports.com/sejusa-military-court-facing-huge-embarrassment/
