Former National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Nkonge Moses Kibalama has asked court to assist him regain his freedom from detention.
Kibalama made the plea today during a court session at High Court Civil Division in Kampala where he had appeared for cross-examination in a case he filed with court challenging the process which culminated into change of leadership of NUP.
Kibalama stated that for two weeks, he has been under forced detention in Mbale where he was picked to attend court today under tight security. The premises of court at Twed Towers in Kampala were also under tight security by counter terrorism police.
During cross-examination by NUPs lawyer, Hon Medard Seggona, Kibalama said he wished court helps him regain his freedom from his captors. Early this week, security agencies confirmed holding Kabalama in safe custody “following reports of threats and planned attacks by unknown groups.”
Speaking about events leading to his arrest, Kibalama noted that he was summoned to the Chief of Defense (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi’s office in Mbuya and quizzed on matters relating to NUP’s change of leadership.
He said the interaction with the CDF involved being asked a few questions before he was told he was free to go to his home. Gen David Muhoozi however denies meeting Kibalama as alleged.
Kibalama said, two days later, he was intercepted by plain-clothed security operatives and taken into detention where he has been for the last two weeks.
Kibalama told the presiding judge, Justice Musa Ssekana that he was surprised how change of NUP’s leadership would be questionable to a higher level.
After the court session, Kibalama was whisked away under tight security escort to unknown destination.
Kibalama and former NUP leaders contends that process of change of NUP leadership which ushered in Robert Kyagulanyi as president was not legally handled and want’s their party back. In his submissions, Kibalama blamed his first lawyer, Anthony Wameeli and other lawyers from NUP for misleading him into signing an affidavit whose contents he had not read in the change of ownership of the NUP party.
Justice Musa Ssekana adjourned 16th October 2020 when he is expected to deliver the ruling on the matter.
