Man charged over attempting to harm, annoy President Museveni

KAMPALA - A Man in a viral video who was recently arrested at a campaign rally at Kawempe Mbogo while trying to gain access to President Yoweri Museveni has been charged and remanded.

Yoram Baguma, 28, of Katabi Town Council in Wakiso district, was on Tuesday, April 15, arraigned at Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court over acts allegedly intended to alarm, annoy or ridicule the person of the president, contrary to section 24 (b) and (c) of Penal Code Act Cap. 128.

According to the prosecution led by Sarah Sharon Nambuya, the accused also assaulted R/O Lieutenant John Sande Natukunda with intent to commit a felony, an act intended to alarm, annoy or ridicule the person of the president, which is contrary to section 219 of the Penal Code Act, cap 128.

Additionally, the State Attorney further told the Court that another charge of disobedience of lawful orders contrary to section 104 of the PCA cap 128 has also been preferred against the accused.

“Baguma disobeyed orders or commands given by officers acting in public capacity and duly authorised,” she said.

The accused had appeared before Kawempe Grade One Magistrate Damalie Aguma Asiimwe, who later deferred his case on grounds of jurisdiction.

“Unfortunately, this court has no jurisdiction to handle the nature of the offences levelled against you. I am remanding you up to Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, to enable you to face the right court when you are brought back,” said the Magistrate. 

During the court session, relatives and friends filled the courtroom to capacity while the majority were overheard requesting the President to pardon  Baguma.

Security sources on condition of anonymity, told New Vision that Baguma, who was arrested at the rally on March 11th, has been undergoing interrogation by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

At the time of his arrest, President Museveni, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Robbina Nabbanja, had gone to solicit support for the National Resistance Movement party flag bearer, Hajjat Faridah Nambi, in the recently concluded Kawempe North by-elections.

The hotly contested race was won by National Unity Platform’s Elias Nalukoola Luyimbaazi with 17,764 votes, defeating NRM’s Faridah Nambi Kigongo, who scored 8,593 votes.