Arrest Warrant Issued for MP Mwijukye Over Violence Charges
The Grade One Magistrate Court in Buhweju District issued an arrest warrant yesterday for Mwijukye Francis, the Member of Parliament for Buhweju Constituency.
Mwijukye, who is accused of inciting violence, failed to appear in court on Tuesday for a scheduled plea. Consequently, Magistrate Daniel Kavuma ordered the police to arrest him and produce him in court on August 14, following his failure to respond to the court’s summons.
According to the charge sheet, on May 12, 2024, Mwijukye allegedly led a group of Christians from Rwanyamabare Catholic Church in violently attacking the home of Frank Kamugisha, whose properties were destroyed. Kamugisha is accused of illegally grabbing church land.
Moses Nuwagaba, the counsel for the accused, informed the court that his client did not receive a criminal summons, which is why he could not appear for plea taking. However, the prosecution countered that the criminal summons had been issued through the Clerk to Parliament.
Magistrate Daniel Kavuma remarked that the accused’s counsel indicated he was given instructions to represent his client in court, as Mwijukye was reportedly at Agha Khan Hospital in Kenya for a medical review. This suggests that Mwijukye was aware of the court proceedings.
