Mamerito forgives tormentors

KAMPALA - Former Kira Municipality mayor Mamerito Mugerwa has asked Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court to drop attempted murder charges against five Kasokoso leaders, saying that he has pardoned them.

"Your worship I find it prudent to forgive the accused persons unconditionally. We are all leaders in the area and I am also tired of coming to court. The case has taken long, since 2013."

"Whenever it comes up in court, the media particularly televisions plays the same footage which affects my family."

However, the accused's lawyer Fredrick Mpanga said that although it would be good to pardon them, some of the suspects had indicated to him that they are against the withdrawal of the case on ground of pardon because it will seem as though they actually committed the offence.

"They believe that they did not commit the offence and nothing to be forgiven about them. They only expect a drop of the charges against them unconditionally by the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]."

The moment when Mamerito arrived at court on Wednesday. (Credit: Peter Busomoke)

Meanwhile, state prosecutor Doreen Elima asked court to transfer the file to DPP Michael Chibita for a formal withdrawal since attempted murder is a capital offence.

This prompted the trial magistrate Christine Nantege to adjourn the case until September 26 to decide on the withdrawal application by Mamerito.

Article 120 gives the DPP mandate to unconditionally withdraw any criminal charges against any suspect at any stage of trial.

The suspects include David Mugalya (LCI chairman for Kasokoso zone), David Ssekiziyivu (councilor for Kireka village (C), Hajj Musa Sewagudde, Umar Mayanja and Jude Kabogoza.

Prosecution alleges that the accused persons and others still at large on November 5, 2013 at Kasokoso village in Kira Town Council, Wakiso District, attempted to kill mayor Mugerwa when they reportedly beat him and set ablaze his double cabin pick-up truck.