The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces UPDF has denied knowledge of the whereabouts of former Bubulo West Member of Parliament, Tonny Nsubuga Kipoi. Over the weekend, Kipoi's Lawyer, Rtd. Major Ronald Iduli, revealed shockingly that his client was missing from Luzira prison where he had been on remand.
According to the lawyer, he was surprised not to find his client at Luzira during a visit. Iduli however says he was reportedly told that Kipoi had been picked by Military Police Officers to appear before the High court Civil Division on the orders of Justice, Musa Sekaana.
The development followed an order issued by Justice Sekaana on October 10th directing government to produce Kipoi in Court on Wednesday October 17th so he could deliver ruling on his application seeking to block trial in the Army General Court Martial.
Meanwhile, Uganda Prison Services Spokesperson, Frank Baine also confirmed that Kipoi was picked up by Military Police officers who presented a production warrant indicating that he was needed in the General Court Martial. But that Kipoi didn't return to Luzira Prison as expected.
Mysteriously, Kipoi disappeared and didn't even turn up in court, and Geoffrey Atwiine, the representative of the Attorney General didn't explain to Court why the suspect was nowhere as directed by the Judge.
When asked, Major John Bizimana, the Registrar of the General Court Martial denied issuing any production warrant for Kipoi. "For us we remanded Kipoi to Luzira Prisons a few months ago and we know that he is in Luzira. May be if he was remanded somewhere else by another Court but not on the orders of the General Court Martial", Bizimana said.
Kipoi, a former Bubulo West Member of Parliament is facing charges related to security along with six UPDF soldiers for offenses. They are accused of plotting to overthrow the government between 2011-2012.
Last evening, Lt Col Deo Akiiki, the Deputy UPDF Spokesperson said the military expects Kipoi to be in Luzira Prisons and nowhere else.
“I am not informed but the last time I heard, he was sent to Luzira. Since Kipoi was sent to Luzira, I have not had any other briefing about him” He said.
The former legislator’s lawyer says he will visit Makindye Military barracks later today to ascertain whether his client is there.
