The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Manafwa on Tuesday convicted and sentenced Derrick Kuloba over the attempted murder of Eveline Namusopo.

The convict was sentenced to 14 years and eight months imprisonment and was also ordered to pay sh50m as compensation to the victim.  

The prosecution’s case against the convict was that on June 4, 2020, at 9:00 pm, Namusopo went to meet her fiancé, Ronald Wolumoli Kyimwera, at Kikholo Trading Centre.

The pair decided to go to Wolumoli's home but when they reached a one Matanda's tree plantation, they were attacked by a man armed with a panga. 

Wolumoli ran to alert the neighbours while the assailant tried to sexually assault Namusope but she resisted.

Kuloba cut off Namusope’s hand and inflicted several other injuries (cuts) to her head and other parts of her body. 

Wolumoli returned with responders but found the assailant had fled the scene. The victim was rushed to Mbale Main Hospital.  

The Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) in a statement released on Tuesday evening said Kuloba was later identified as the assailant. He was arrested by the Police, who preferred the charge of attempted murder. 

“The ODPP sanctioned the preferred charge. The accused was accordingly prosecuted by Godfery Wakasada a State Attorney, before Her Worship Esther Nalungi,” ODPP said.