Deadlock delays plea bargain in Ndiga clan head murder case
The two accused, Luggya Bbosa Tabula and Noah Lujja, are reportedly seeking a plea bargain that would see each serve a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder charge.
Some of the suspects in the murder case of former Ndiga (Sheep) Clan head Eng. Daniel Kakeeto Bbosa in a court dock. (File photo)
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Plea bargain negotiations in the murder case of former Ndiga (Sheep) Clan head Eng. Daniel Kakeeto Bbosa have hit a deadlock, with the prosecution and two of the accused failing to agree on the appropriate prison sentence.
The two accused, Luggya Bbosa Tabula and Noah Lujja, are reportedly seeking a plea bargain that would see each serve a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder charge.
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is insisting on a 40-year sentence, arguing that the seriousness of the offence warrants a much stiffer punishment.
The disagreement has stalled the plea-bargain process, leaving negotiations at an impasse as both sides remain divided over the proposed sentence.
One of the defence lawyers, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that discussions between the parties are still ongoing, although no breakthrough has been reached.
Under the plea-bargaining framework, an accused person may admit guilt in exchange for an agreed sentence, subject to the approval of the court. Where the prosecution and the defence fail to agree on the terms, the case proceeds through the ordinary trial process.
Luggya Bbosa Tabula and Noah Lujja are jointly charged with the murder of Bbosa alongside Ezra Mayanja, Harriet Nakiguli and Joseph Nakabale. The accused have been on remand at Luzira Prison since March 11, 2024.
Justice Matovu directed that state-funded lawyers be assigned to the two accused persons before they are required to take plea.
“The accused persons will take plea in the matter after they have all got lawyers,” Justice Matovu said.
State attorney Carol Tabaro is prosecuting the case while defence lawyers led by Richard Kumbuga are defending the accused persons.
According to the charge sheet, Lujja is a mason from Kabanga village in Mpigi town council, Nakiguli is a peasant from Nkere zone in Kawempe division, Kampala, Nakabale is a painter from Gala village in Mpigi town council, while Mayanja is a resident of Kiganda zone in Kawempe division, Kampala.
Tabula is alleged to be the mastermind behind the fatal shooting of Bbosa, who was killed near his home in Kikandwa zone, Lungujja, Rubaga division, on February 25, 2024. Tabula is also claiming to be the rightful Ndiga clan head.
On July 30, 2024, police recovered suspected human remains, including 17 skulls, during a raid on shrines allegedly owned by Tabula in Kabanga village, Mpigi district.
Allegations
The five are charged with murder, contrary to Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 120. The offence carries a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
Prosecution alleges that the accused, together with others still at large, on February 25, 2024, at Kikandwa, Lungujja, in Rubaga Division, Kampala, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Bbosa.
Museveni honours civilian
On March 4, 2024, President Yoweri Museveni awarded Abdul Katabaazi the Nalubaale Medal for his bravery in pursuing and helping to capture the suspects linked to Bbosa's murder.
“I want to congratulate you; you have done a heroic job. You have now become a bush war fighter like me,” Museveni said while presenting the award.
Katabaazi, a plumber and motorcycle rider from Kikandwa zone in Lungujja, chased and helped apprehend the attackers shortly after they allegedly shot Bbosa.
Bbosa, 72, who was also the director of Transa Electricals, was gunned down while driving towards his home in Kikandwa zone, Lungujja, Rubaga division.