Kasese political analyst, Bwambale denied bail, further remanded

By Alex Baluku

Lucas Bwambale Buhaka, a renowned political analyst commonly known as the voice of the voiceless has further been remanded to Mubuku Government Prison until February 15, 2022 when he will reappear in court for a ruling on his bail application.

Buhaka was arrested on January 20, 2022 and subsequently taken to court where he was charged with criminal trespass and remanded to Mubuku Government Prison.

It is alleged that in August 2021 while at Rwentutu village in Lake Katwe sub-county, Kasese district, Buhaka reportedly committed an offense of criminal trespass on the land allegedly belonging to the Catholic Diocese of Kasese.

He was also accused of allegedly disrespecting the Orders of the High Court that made the Catholic Diocese of Kasese the lawful owners of 200 acres of land at Rwentutu that was formerly owned by Kithende Hostels Project- KITHOP.

As a result of his woes, Buhaka re-appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Rukooki  and over by His Worship James Opio for the hearing of his bail application but the Resident State Attorney, Geoffrey Oundo told court that he has not had enough time to investigate the particulars of Buhaka’s sureties.

He had presented Mr. Samuel Muhindo Kabinga and Zepher Mubingwa as his sureties.  

His lawyer, Geoffrey Sibendire Bigogo had requested   court that since the accused is charged with an offense that is bailable, court should grant him bail, adding that it wouldn’t be fair for the suspect to be kept in prison.

When asked by the Chief Magistrate to defend himself if he had personal interest in the land, Buhaka explained that as an individual he does not have any interest in the said land saying that he is also a Church leader.

The Chief Magistrate then ruled that Buhaka should be taken back to Mubuku Government Prison and returned to court for the hearing on his bail application on February 15, 2022.

Speaking to  The Second Opinion shortly after a court session, Bigogo said the powers to release or further remand the suspect depend on the Magistrate