Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court has issued criminal summons against Workers’ MP Dr. Sam Lyomoki for failure to turn up in court to answer charges of inciting violence and disobeying lawful police orders.
Workers’ MP Dr. Sam Lyomoki
Lyomoki allegedly committed the two offences in January last year, following the death of Butaleja Woman MP Cerinah Nebanda.
Grade one magistrate Simon Zirintuusa Kintu issued the summons on Monday after Lyomoki and his lawyer, MP Abdul Katuntu failed to show up in court.
Last week Lyomoki through his lawyer had asked court to stay the hearing of the case on claims that it was unconstitutional. His lawyer had also promised to avail court with People’s Congress (UPC) party President, Dr. Olara Otunnu’s petition challenging the similar charges at the constitutional court.
“We pray that the hearing be stayed, pending the disposal of Dr. Olara’s petition. Besides, the section under which my client (Lyomoki) was charged is already being challenged in the Constitutional Court; therefore, the hearing of the case should await the determination of the Constitutional petition,” Kantuntu had said.
This prompted the trial magistrate to postpone the hearing, waiting for the petition. However, when the case came up on Monday for further hearing, MP Lyomoki and his lawyer, Katuntu were nowhere to be seen.
This prompted Kintu to issue summons saying, they had not informed court of their intended absence.
Lyomoki, who was in January last year arrested by plain-clothes policemen from WBS Television Station and later released after a morning talk show is accused of inciting violence following the death of Nebanda.
Lyomoki was also charged for snubbing lawful criminal summons from Criminal Intelligence and Investigations’ Department (CIID) issued on January 7 last year after he made allegations in connection with the controversial death of Nebanda.
The MP was required to appear before the commandant of the SIU, Beata Chelimo to answer allegations but he reportedly gave a deaf ear.
However, Lyomoki has since denied the charges, maintain that he is innocent.
Prosecution also alleges that the MP was issued summons to make a statement at the police station on January 7, 2012 after the talk show and he deliberately refused.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday this week .
By Michael Odeng and Job Bwire. The New Vision