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- In considering the application, the court held that the applicant could have access to his doctor for the treatment of peptic ulcers and asthma. The court was not satisfied that this was a grave illness that required the applicant to be out on bail. The court consequently, dismissed the application.
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT MBARARA
HCT-05-CR-MA-0004-2004
(Arising From MBR-00-CR-CO-131-2003)
MUSIIME ALEX Alias KADIDI …………………………………………………..APPLICANT
- VS -
UGANDA…………………………………………………………………………RESPONDENT
BEFORE: THE HON. JUCTICE P. K. MUGAMBA
RULING
This is an application for bail which is brought under the open-ended Article 23 of the Constitution of Uganda. It is not so clear why this was the choice procedure. Be that as it may the applicant brought in mitigation facts relating to his ill health which was said to be grave by both Achieng and Dr. Luwala. It is contended by the applicant that exceptional circumstances do therefore exist for his release on bail vide S. 15 of the Trial on Indictment Act, Cap. 23 of the Laws of Uganda. An accused suffering from grave illness is therein required to be so certified by a medical officer of the prison or other institution or place where the accused is detained as being incapable of adequate medical treatment while the accused is in custody.
An affidavit sworn by Ms Achieng was introduced. She is said to be in charge of matters of health at the Mbarara Prison. She added further in her affidavit that she had sworn the affidavit in ‘verification and proof of the fact that the said Musiime Alex Alias Kadidi suffers from grave illness namely peptic ulcers and asthma’. Section 15 of the Trial on Indictments Act envisages a medical officer and no one else to certify grave illness. Nothing useful emerges from Ms Achieng’s averment therefore as she is by no means a medical officer.
It is Dr. Luwala who is a medical doctor. He qualifies to the status of a medical officer.
His affidavit was to the effect that he is a medical doctor at Luwala Nursing Home in
Mbarara. He stated that he has been a personal doctor to the applicant ever since 1996. It was not revealed whether that was on a retainer. He certified the peptic ulcers and asthma the applicant suffers from to be grave illness. He added that the ailments necessitate constant medical attention and treatment which he is not able to offer the applicant while he is in prison because of lack of ready access to the doctor whenever he requires the doctor’s help.
I note that the applicant was first held on remand on 24 September 2003. Ever since then he has not had access to his doctor though it is not made clear when he attempted to do so and was prevented by anybody.
In the circumstances I give order to the Prison authorities to allow the applicant to summon and receive the services of his doctor without let or hindrance in order to alleviate the applicant’s present circumstances.
Given that order there should be no need for consideration of grant of bail. I so find and order.
P.K. Mugamba
Judge
10th March 2004
Mr. Ngaruye for applicant
Applicant in court
Ms Amumpaire State Attorney
Court:
Ruling read in court.
P.K. Mugamba
Judge