Buganda Road Court has issued a warrant of arrest against city businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba after he failed to turn up in court to answer alleged charges of assault against him.

Grade I magistrate Faith Evans Palodi has issued the warrant that remains inactive and shall be implemented if Basajjabalaba fails to turn up in court tomorrow.

His lawyer Denis Byaruhanga earlier informed court that Basajjabalaba is interested in settling the matter out of court.

The lawyer first informed court that Basajjabalaba was misinformed that the matter had been fixed for tomorrow.

The magistrate however warned the lawyer to stop lying to court, and asked to accept to be arrested to face charges of contempt of court if his client (Basajjabalaba) fails to show up tomorrow.

The magistrate has said hearing of the matter should begin tomorrow, in case an out of court settlement fails.

Prosecution alleges that last September Basajjabalaba assaulted Arthur Kintu, a local journalist who was taking his pictures during the NRM party primaries at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Basajjabalaba was a candidate.

It is alleged that when Kintu took photographs of Basajjabalaba giving out money to voters, he (Basajjabalaba) punched him in the face causing him actual bodily harm.

Ultimate Media