The General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, overseen by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabi, declared the release of Gen. Kale Kayihura on Wednesday.
This decision followed the state’s announcement, presented by Lt. Col. Raphael Mugisha in court, that the Director of Public Prosecution had dropped the charges against him.
Click here to join our WhatsApp group and receive daily news
Brig. Gen. Mugabi ordered his release by stating, “The state has withdrawn charges against you, and you are accordingly set free.”
After the court proceedings, Gen. Kayihura expressed his satisfaction, stating that he was relieved that justice had finally been served after a prolonged period of waiting.
He affirmed his enduring belief that justice would prevail and thanked the UPDF leadership, his escorts, friends, and above all, God, for sustaining him and enabling this outcome through His grace.
The 67-year-old Kayihura had been accused of providing unauthorized individuals, including Boda Boda 2010 members led by Abdallah Kitatta, with war materials between 2010 and 2018.
Additionally, he faced charges of aiding and abetting the abduction and repatriation of Rwandan exiles, refugees, and Ugandan citizens to Rwanda from 2012 to 2016, which he denied.
These charges were linked to his tenure as the Inspector General of Police, three months after he had been relieved of the position.
In the context of the 2021 general election campaigns, leaders of the NRM in Kisoro district requested President Museveni to pardon Gen. Kayihura and consider his redeployment.
President Museveni responded positively to the request, indicating his intention to address it. More recently, President Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, appealed to him to pardon Gen. Kayihura and facilitate his rehabilitation.
This development coincides with Gen. Kayihura’s impending retirement from active service in the UPDF. The retirement ceremony, scheduled to occur at Entebbe State House, will be presided over by President Museveni, who serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces.
Among others set to retire alongside Gen. Kayihura are Maj Gen Sam Wasswa Mutesasira, Maj Gen Arocha Joseph, Brig Steven Oluka, and Brig Augustine Atwooki.
Also Read: Police suspends 11 of their men over brutalizing Buvuma Woman MP
