The General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala has adjourned the case in which a senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer allegedly murdered and burnt his wife’s body beyond recognition.

Maj. Gordon Atwebembeire, who was then the head of the Special Investigations Bureau at the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba in Mubende district, is accused of murdering his wife, Marion Tukamuhabwa, 38.

The adjournment on Tuesday (October 3, 2023) followed prosecution averments that their intended witness was indisposed.

“This matter was coming up for further hearing, but our witness who was to testify today was tasked with other state duties by his superiors. He will, however, be available on the next adjournment,” Lt. Alex Rasto Mukhwana told court.

This prompted the GCM chairperson Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe to adjourn the case to October 31, 2023, for further hearing, sending back the accused on remand at the Makindye Military Police Quarter Guard.

Charges 

Prosecution alleges that on October 6, 2022, Atwebembeire while in Bayima village, Nabitanga sub-county, Sembabule district with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of his wife Tukamuhebwa.

Background

A police record indicates that the couple had a 5-year-old boy but had separated for two years after developing misunderstandings.

Prior to Tukamuhabwa’s death, the two had reconciled, all on Atwebembeire’s request.

However, in what is suspected to be a case of love gone sour, Atwebembeire was arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of his erstwhile lover, Tukamuhabwa.

The deceased’s charred remains were discovered after a resident of Baima village in Nkuusi parish, Sembabule district stumbled upon the body and informed Police.

The deceased relatives have since pinned the senior UPDF officer over their sister’s murder, prompting his arrest and prosecution.

Major Silas Kamanda Mutungi, Private Pricilla Nakakande and Elizabeth Nyasingwa represent the accused whereas Lt. Col Raphael Mugisha, Lt Alex Mukhana, Private Regina Nanzala and Private Phillip Anthony Olupot prosecute the case.