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Ugandan General Sejusa denied bail, to miss elections

Ugandan General Sejusa denied bail, to miss elections

Uganda

A former Ugandan intelligence chief and critic of President Yoweri Museveni was denied bail on Tuesday, days before elections in which the veteran leader is seeking to extend his 30-year rule.

The 61-year-old General will spend two more weeks in jail.

“The charges against our client are political in nature and not grave that they require him to stay in jail. It is in the interest of the public that he is released on bail pending trial,” argued Mr Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, one of General Sejusa’s lawyers.

Sejusa has denied all charges against him, including taking part in politics in violation of army law and being absent without leave.

The decision by the General Court Martial at Makindye chaired by Major General Levi Karuhanga, now means that Sejusa will not participate in the upcoming general election slated for February 18.

Seven opposition candidates are vying to deny Museveni a fifth term, and there are fears that violence could taint the campaigns.

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