Makindye Chief Magistrate Mafabi passes on

Oct 03, 2016

Mafabi came into limelight in July when he issued criminal summons against Gen. Kale Kayihura and seven officers for allegedly torturing Dr. Kizza Besigye's supporters

Makindye Court Chief Magistrate, Richard Mafabi has passed away.

Mafabi, 51, was pronounced dead on Sunday evening as he was being rushed at Mukwaya General Hospital in Nsambya in Kampala.

The cause of death is not yet established but relatives suspect he suffered a heart attack.

Judiciary mouth piece Erias Kisawuzi confirmed his death and said the burial program will be communicated soon after consulting the family.

Mafabi came into limelight in July when he issued criminal summons against the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura and seven officers for allegedly torturing supporters of former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Kisawuzi said that the judiciary has missed a committed judge who was determined to execute his duties under any circumstance.

He said he was among the Magistrates who attended a workshop at Royal Suites in Bugolobi on Friday and appeared to be in good health but it was unfortunate that he has died.

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago who led the lawyers who dragged Kayihura and the officers to court mourned Mafabi.

"I have just received shocking and disheartening news that the Chief Magistrate of Makindye Court, His Worship Richard Mafabi has collapsed and died instantly.

He will go down in the annals of history as one of the few judicial officers who held onto the judicial oath to uphold the law without fear or favour at a very challenging moment" Lukwago said.

"In a country where impunity reigns supreme, it was unforeseeable that he would issue criminal summons and sign a charge sheet against General Kale Kayihura and 8 other senior police officers for acts of torture.

I vividly recall the day we were held hostage and nearly lynched in his chambers by some state sponsored goons but he never abdicated his constitutional duty. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace?" Lukwago posted on Facebook.

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