Doctor testifies in ex-rebel leader Mukulu’s terrorism case

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A Mulago Hospital doctor has testified in a case in which former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel commander Jamilu Mukulu, and 37 others are implicated in the murder of seven people, including the head of Uganda’s Shia Muslim community, Sheikh Abdu Kadir Muwaya.

Testifying before a panel of four justices on November 19, 2025, the doctor (name withheld for security reasons) said he examined Muwaya’s body and discovered that there was a bullet entry wound in the left upper arm and a corresponding exit wound in the same arm.

The justices on the panel of the International Crimes Division of the High Court include Michael Elubu, Dr Andrew Bashaija, Susan Okalany and Stephen Mubiru.

“The bullet moved upwards to the front and from left to right, injuring the skin and muscles of the upper arm,” the witness stated.

The doctor also said there was a bullet graze wound on the left side of the deceased’s chest. He also told the court that there was a bullet entry wound below the left collar bone and a corresponding entry wound in the chest.

According to him, the bullet in this instance travelled from right to left, moving downwards and backwards.

The doctor added that another bullet entry wound was present on the front left side of the chest, with a corresponding exit wound in the right armpit.

He testified that the examination revealed fractures of the first and second left ribs, the breastbone, perforation of the heart and major blood vessels originating from it, as well as perforation of both lungs. The chest cavity was also found to contain blood.

However, the witness stated that no injuries were detected in the deceased’s abdominal organs, skull, or brain. He also said no bullet fragments were recovered from the body of the deceased.

The witness concluded that the cause of Muwaya’s death was gunshot wounds.

Allegations

Mukulu and the group are implicated in the murder of seven people, including Sheikh Muwaya and Sheik Yunus Abubaker Madangu.  Muwaya was murdered on December 25, 2014, at Kavule LC1 in Mayuge district.

Others killed were LC3 chairperson Tito Okwale, Julius Owori, Police Constable Muzamir Babale, Special Police Constable Karim Tenywa and John Stephen Owori.

According to prosecution, the accused committed the offence between 2002 and 2015 in various districts, including Kampala, for purposes of influencing the government or intimidating the public for political, religious, social or economic aim, and indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property. 

The trial continues Thursday, November 20.