Nine men who had been suspected of rendering financial support to a rebel group, Allied Democratic Forces have been set free by the International Crimes Division of the High court after spending five years on remand at Luzira prison.
The nine include Kisembo Abdallah Mukwata, Adam Din Luwooza, Hamis Mugoya, Hamuza Lyavaala, Aramathan Musene, Hussein Ndugwa, Fiswal Wata, Hamza Egiyoti and Hamis Takubyaku.
They expressed the joy to go home however Mukulu’s co-accused has been taken back to jail over other charges.
These had appeared before High Court Judge Jane Persis Kigongo for pre-trial and instead were faced with a Nolle Prosequi (the dismissal or termination of legal proceedings).
The DPP wrote to the court expressing a loss of interest in the matter asking that the two charges of belonging to the ADF and funding the same be dropped.
The state had alleged that that the nine and others in different places in Uganda, Kenya and DRC belonged and provided financial assistance to members of ADF.
The group was said to have mobilized in the Mubende gold mines before crossing to DRC disguised as gold miners. The court refused to grant request by the group’s lawyers led by Kamara Kafuzi to have the group compensated for the long stay on remand