The General Court Martial in Makindye has remanded Achileo Kivumbi, the head of security for the National Unity Platform (NUP), to Luzira Prison on charges of unlawful possession of defense stores. Kivumbi, a 42-year-old driver by profession, faced the seven-member panel of the Court Martial chaired by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe on Monday and was charged with one count of possessing military pips.
The prosecution alleges that on August 3, 2024, around 15:03 hours, Kivumbi was found in unlawful possession of a pair of pips, which are reserved for the rank of a UPDF Lt. Col., at Nansana East 2B Zone in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District. As a civilian, Kivumbi is not authorized to possess such items.
Kivumbi has denied the charges and has been remanded until September 2, 2024. During his court appearance, Kivumbi was visibly limping, with reddish eyes and a fresh-looking injury on his head.
His lawyer, George Musisi, informed the court that Kivumbi claimed to have been tortured by the arresting officers. According to Musisi, Kivumbi reported being detained at the UPDF’s Directorate of Crime Intelligence (formerly the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence) before being transferred to the Special Investigations Unit of Police in Kireka, where he spent a night handcuffed.
