Godi clashes with lawyer in court

By Andante Okanya

KAMPALA - Former Arua Municipality MP Akbar Hussein Godi who is serving a 25-year jail term for the murder of his wife, has disagreed with his lawyer at the Supreme Court on procedure in his appeal.

The court located in the upscale city suburb of Kololo, had on Thursday scheduled to hear Godi’s appeal.

Godi’s appeal to the Supreme Court arose from the Court of Appeal ruling which on July 23 last year, upheld the High Court verdict of 2011.

The panel of five justices was headed by Justice Jotham Tumwesigye. Others were Galdino Okello, Esther Kisaakye, Wilson Tsekooko, and Christine Kitumba.

However, the disagreement prompted the justices to adjourn to the next convenient criminal session of the court.

Godi was convicted and sentenced Godi for the murder of his wife Rehema Caesar, who was shot dead at Lukojja village in Nama sub-county, Mukono district on December 4, 2008.

The disagreement was ignited when Godi’s lawyer Henry Kunya, said he was not adequately prepared to proceed. He asked for an adjournment to the next convenient session of the court.

“This matter is coming up for hearing today. However, we are not in position to proceed. This being the ultimate court of the land, it calls for maximum preparation,” stated Kunya.

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Godi flanked by prison warders gestures as he arrives at court. Photo by Enock Kakande

He also explained that although the Court of Appeal had sent a copy of certified proceedings to the Supreme Court, the latter had not availed photocopies to enable him proceed.

But the statement riled Godi who raised his left arm to seek permission to address the court. It was subsequently granted.

Dressed in a black suit with a neck tie emblazoned with colours of the Uganda national flag and the crested crane, he requested that his appeal be accommodated in this session.

“My biggest fear is that this session is ending tomorrow. If you would grant us two weeks, we will be ready to proceed,” stated Godi, asking the justices to consider the deplorable conditions at Luzira Prison.

Godi who also requested to be allowed to represent himself, since he is also a lawyer, reiterated his fear, saying the last criminal session of the Supreme Court was in 2011.

The assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Michael Wamasebu, rapped Godi and Kunya, saying the court “does not work on the dictates of litigants.”

The panel of justices wondered why Godi was trying to jeopardise his case by rushing to have it heard, yet his lawyer had admitted inadequate preparations.

Prior before the court session and after, Godi chatted and could be seen enjoying a hearty laugh with relatives.