Gospel singer, three others remanded over suspected ritual murder

KITAGWENDA - Four men, including gospel singer Levi Amarakutunga, have been charged and remanded to Katojo Government Prison in connection with a suspected ritual sacrifice of a four-year-old girl. 

Amarakutunga, alias Ndyabayunga Nyamagoya, who describes himself as a teacher and a resident of Nyaruhanda cell in Kabujogera town council, Kitagwenda district, appeared before Kamwenge Grade One Magistrate Innocent Ahimbisibwe for mention of his case on April 14. 

He was charged with three others. 

His co-accused, who are also from the same district, include primary school teacher Radius Tumusiime, 30, casual worker Deus Kakuru, 24 and a one Francis Twinomugisha, 39. 

Amarakutunga and his co-accused are suspected of being involved in the murder of Maria Trina Ainomugisha, his niece, in what is believed to have been a ritual sacrifice.
 
They now face charges of murder, contrary to section 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act; aggravated trafficking in children, contrary to section 2 (a) and 4 (f) of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act; and human sacrifice, contrary to section 2 (1) and (3) (b) (1) of the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act. 

Ainomugisha

The offences attract a maximum sentence of death, on conviction. Ahimbisibwe did not allow the accused persons to take plea, saying the court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter because it is capital in nature. 

“The court has no power to entertain your matter. You can only take a plea at the High Court after committal because it has jurisdiction to hear your case,” the magistrate said. 
The court heard that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

The prosecution case 

Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large on March 16, at Nyaruhanda cell, Kikondo ward, Kabujogera town council, in Kitagwenda, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Ainomugisha. 

The four individuals are accused of recruiting, transporting, harbouring, and receiving Ainomugisha (a female juvenile) through the use of force; as well as coercion, abduction, or exploitation of a position of vulnerability.

The alleged purpose, according to prosecution, was exploitation, including using the child or the child’s body parts in witchcraft or rituals. Prosecution also alleges that the accused and others still at large unlawfully killed the child for witchcraft or ritual purposes, or for other unlawful purposes.

Amarakutunga

House set ablaze  

The Police in Kitagwenda have also launched another investigation into the burning of Amarakutunga’s house on March 27, a day after his arrest. The Police post. 

Fake pastors 

Amarakutunga’s case comes amid the backdrop of ongoing investigations into fake pastors accused of exploiting their followers by day and practising witchcraft by night.

What others say 

Mary Mugizi, the female councillor representing Kikondo ward, said she was alerted about the fire by the officer in charge at Kabujogera Police post. 

The Police had initially deployed officers to guard the suspect’s property following his arrest, but withdrew after the situation appeared to have calmed down. 

Kitagwenda district Police Commander Bashir Bakulumpagi condemned the act of mob justice and assured the public that investigations were ongoing.