Capt. (RTD) David Kabuye was yesterday arraigned before Gasabo Intermediate Court for a pre-trial hearing where he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

Prosecutor Boniface Budengeri requested the court to remand Kabuye for 30 days on grounds that he is accused of committing a serious offence and likely to escape justice if he is granted bail.

However, Kabuye told the presiding judge that he would not flee and also offered his wife, Rose Kabuye, the former director of state protocol, who was also in attendance, and his brother and sister as sureties.

"Illegal possession of a firearm is a crime punishable by law; the court should not legitimise his excuses of owning a gun,” said Budengeri.

In his defence, Kabuye said he has had the short gun for 15 years and never used it in any criminal activities.  

"When I retired from Rwanda Defence Forces, I surrendered all military property but I remained with the pistol for my personal security and that of my family,” the accused said.

The judge asked him if he found no problem in possessing an unregistered gun despite existing procedures required for civilians to be in possession of a firearm.

Kabuye admitted that it was an oversight on his part.

The court will announce its decision on whether to remand or grant him bail today.