Kasiwukira's widow acquitted, co-accused convicted

PIC:  Nabikolo and Nakungu speak to their lawyer MacDosman Kabega inside the courtroom on Wednesday. (Credit: Meddie Musisi)

KAMPALA - Court on Wednesday acquitted Sarah Nabikolo, the widow of slain businessman Eriya Bugembe Ssebunya alias Kasiwukira, of murder charges while her co-accused were convicted.

High Court Judge Wilson Musene's verdict came 10 days after assessors John Musana and Joseph Wasibi in their joint opinion advised court to convict Nabikolo, 51, her cousin Sandra Nakungu, 36, and Police officer Ashraf Jaden, 40.

It was a full courtroom ahead of the delivery of the final decision.

Nakungu and Jaden have been sentenced to 20 years in jail for their role in Kasiwukira's murder.

The accused were battling charges of murder, which attracts a maximum penalty of death on conviction.

 Nabi

Sarah Nabikolo (right) and co-accused Sandra Nakungu (left) sit silently in court on Wednesday. (Credit: Meddie Musisi)

Nabikolo, Nakungu and Jaden had spent close to two years in detention at Luzira Prison and were being represented by MacDosman Kabega, Nsubuga Mubiru and Ladislaus Rwakafuzi respectively while the state was represented by Principal State Attorney Alice Komuhangi Khaukha and Samali Wakholi.

Khaukha expressed her disappointment at the verdict and said they would study the judgment to decide whether to appeal.

According to court documents, on October 17, 2014 Kasiwukira was reportedly murdered at about 6am near his home in Muyenga diplomatic zone.

He was knocked down by a speeding car as he jogged in the neighbourhood.