DPP granted more time in Agaba murder probe

Aug 18, 2012

The DPP has been granted additional time to complete the probe into the alleged Luzira murder by George Agaba.

By Andante Okanya

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been granted additional time to complete the probe into the alleged Luzira murder, purportedly committed by suspended Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) physical planning director, George Agaba.

The additional time was granted on Friday by Nakawa Court Grade two magistrate Mackay Opolot. Agaba appeared at the court with co-accused, his bodyguard Santos Komakech.

Opolot handled proceedings, since Grade One magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu, who was  allocated the case file, was reported indisposed.

The case arose from the chaotic shooting on January 22 this year, during a botched eviction exercise at Port Bell in the city suburb of Luzira, that left one person dead and two injured.

John Onyango was shot dead while Florence Nalwadda and AkimKakumba sustained gunshot wounds when Komakech allegedly opened fire onto residents as they resisted an attempt to evict them from the area by KCCA.

State attorney Joseph Bayige pleaded for an adjournment and asked for additional time to enable the DPP conclude the probe.

"The matter is for mention. However, investigations into the matter is still continuing.I pray for an adjournment to complete investigations," Bayige said.

The accused's lawyer Grace Nuwamanya, did not object to the prosecutor's request for an adjournment. Accordingly, proceedings were adjourned to September 7. The bail of the accused was extended until then.

It  is over six months ever since the accused were charged. By this time, the accused are supposed to have been sent to the High Court for trial.

It is a requirement that when a capital case such as murder is at the mention stage, the  accused  are entitled to know the probe progress.

Subsequently, in the event that the DPP gathers sufficient evidence against the accused, they are sent for trial at the High Court, which has powers to try such cases of  capital nature.

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