Edison Muzoora suspects charged  Thursday June 30, 2011
Some of the suspects in Col. Muzoora’s murder case appearing before the Buganda Road Court By Pascal Kwesiga and Eddie Ssejjoba SIX people arrested in connection with the death of renegade Col. Edison Muzoora were charged yesterday. Two of the suspects were charged with treason, while four were charged with concealment of treason. They appeared before Buganda road Court chief magistrate Erena Kayinza. Prosecution led by Happiness Ainebyona told court that Didas Atunga-Bantu alias Colonel Iddi Kibwama Bendera, Boniface Mumbere Kinyambila alias Ivan Musinguzi and others still at large between October 2006 and May 2011 plotted to overthrow the Government by force of arms. The charge sheet initially had murder charges, but was amended to treason. According to the charge sheet, Atunga-Bantu and Mumbere allegedly committed the offence in Kampala, Bushenyi, Kasese, Mbarara, Ntungamo districts and other areas in the country. The two allegedly recruited, mobilised logistics and intelligence information for two rebel organisations, the Uganda People’s Freedom Front and Forces of Constitutional Change in Uganda, fighting to overthrow the Government. Dr. Aggrey Byamukama alias Happiness Akasigazi, Abel Kazoora Kacwano, Simon Matte Mwesige, Muhwezi alias Esau Tugumisirize Rwafafa and others still at large were charged with concealment of treason. Prosecution said the suspects allegedly knew about the plot to overthrow the Government, but did not report it to designated officers. They allegedly committed the offences in Kampala, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Kasese, Wakiso and Ntungamo districts. The suspects denied the charges, but the magistrate did not allow them to take plea, saying her court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the case. She remanded them to Luzira Prison until July 7 when they will reappear in court. The suspects were arrested on different occasions after the body of Col. Muzoora, who was believed to be in exile, was found dumped at his home in Bushenyi district last month. Muzoora deserted the UPDF in 2003 and was suspected to be one of the founders of the rebel People’s Redemption Army. The criminal investigations division chief, Edward Ochom, told New Vision that the charge sheet was amended after the lawyers sought to have the suspects produced in High Court or be released. This application was scheduled to be heard today. Ochom said the suspects were charged with treason for which they have outright evidence.