Forum for Democratic Change Presidential aspirant Patrick Amuriat granted bail after being arrested over an incident with Mbarara District Police Commander.
By Our Team
Forum for Democratic Change Presidential aspirant Patrick Amuriat was on Friday evening granted bail by Mbarara Magistrates court after being charged with obstructing a police officer while on duty.
Mbarara Grade One magistrate Gordon Muhimbise, granted Amuriat a sh6m non cash bail and asked to report back to court on 18th February, 2020 for mention of the case.
Amuriat was arrested at Nkombe on his way to Rubiriizi and driven to Mbarara police for knocking down Mbarara Divisional Police Commander John Rutaagira
Rwizi Regional police spokesperson Samson Kusasira had on Thursday noted that investigations were still ongoing to bring other culprits to book.
During the Tuesday incident, Police arrested Nasur Basalirwa one of Amuriat’s drivers on accusation of obstruction. He was released on Wednesday on police bond.
How Amuriat’s arrest was effected
Police being commanded by one Komakech mounted a roadblock at Nkombe along Ishaka-Rubiriizi and and pounced on Amuriat as he moved out of his car to ask why he was blocked.
He was pushed into a waiting police patrol car and driven to Mbarara where he was immediately locked up.
Amuriat declined to record a statement regarding the Tuesday incident.
Bushenyi FDC leadership immediately held held a press conference and demanded for unconditional release of Amuriat.
The leaders made the call this morning while addressing a press conference at their party offices in Bushenyi.
However the Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson Marcial Tumusiime said,”Amuriat was arrested for knocking down Rutaagira using a bodaboda”.
FDC Bushenyi district chairman Guma Gumisiriza said police was pushing them to the wall by harassing their people and the leaders something that might serious future repercussions.
“We are peace loving Ugandans,we don’t want to use violence but if this continues, we may be forced to use plan B”, Guma said.
Amuriat’s lawyer, Lydia Ahimbisibwe noted they had been told her client will be arraigned in Mbarara Magistrate’s Court at 2pm.
At around 3:00 pm, Amuriat was taken to court where defense lawyers led by Ahimbisibwe asked court to grant him bail.
Amuriat denied blocking police from executing their lawful duties. The prosecution asked the trial judge not to grant the accused bail side because his co accused had not reported to court.