News
Judiciary names Ssaza Grounds for Kamugisha murder trial
During the committal proceedings, the prosecution told the court that Kulayisi had allegedly beheaded a female resident of Lukaya in Kalungu district on September 28, 2026, and dumped her body parts at different locations in Masaka district.
The trial of Kuraish Kamugisha, alias Fred Mujulizi, is scheduled to begin on November 23, 2026, before High Court judge Vincent Wagona.
By: Barbra Kabahumuza, Journalist @New Vision
MASAKA - The Judiciary has confirmed Ssaza Grounds in Masaka as the venue for the trial of a man accused of murdering a woman in Masaka district.
The trial of Kuraish Kamugisha, alias Fred Mujulizi, is scheduled to begin on November 23, 2026, before High Court judge Vincent Wagona.
Kulayisi is facing a murder charge, contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act, over the alleged killing of an adult woman in Mugamba village, Buwunga subcounty, Masaka district.
The case is registered as High Court Criminal Case No. AA/176/2026.
The venue was selected following an inspection by a Judiciary advance team led by High Court registrar Prossy Katushabe.
The team, which included Masaka High Court deputy registrar Loe Karungi, commissioner of police Moses Taremwa and other security officials, inspected three proposed venues before settling on Ssaza Grounds.
The Pokino of Buddu County, Jude Muleke, granted permission for the use of the grounds.
The Judiciary said defence counsel had been appointed on state brief, alongside assessors who will assist the judge during the trial. Police will provide security throughout the proceedings.
Background
Kulayisi was committed to the High Court for trial by the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 6, 2026, after the prosecution informed the court that investigations into the murder case had been completed.
The prosecution withdrew three charges against him, leaving one count of murder. His co-accused, Huzairu Kyambadde, was discharged after all charges against him were withdrawn.
The Pokino of Buddu County, Jude Muleke, granted permission for the use of the grounds.
The Judiciary said defence counsel had been appointed on state brief, alongside assessors who will assist the judge during the trial. Police will provide security throughout the proceedings.
Background
Kulayisi was committed to the High Court for trial by the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 6, 2026, after the prosecution informed the court that investigations into the murder case had been completed.
The prosecution withdrew three charges against him, leaving one count of murder. His co-accused, Huzairu Kyambadde, was discharged after all charges against him were withdrawn.
During the committal proceedings, the prosecution told the court that Kulayisi had allegedly beheaded a female resident of Lukaya in Kalungu district on September 28, 2026, and dumped her body parts at different locations in Masaka district.
Kulayisi, who appeared in court through a video link from Luzira Upper Prison, reportedly protested the prosecution’s decision to withdraw the charges against Kyambadde, whom he had implicated in the alleged killings.
The magistrate advised him to raise the matter before the High Court, saying her court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it after his committal.
Kulayisi’s arrest also prompted police to reopen investigations into several unsolved murder cases in the Greater Masaka sub-region dating back to 2012. Police have said investigations are ongoing to establish whether he was involved in the earlier killings.
The Judiciary said the mobile court initiative is intended to bring judicial services closer to communities, reduce geographical barriers to accessing justice and enable the affected family and members of the public to follow court proceedings.
Members of the public and the media have been invited to attend the proceedings.
The Judiciary has urged the media to report responsibly and uphold the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Kulayisi, who appeared in court through a video link from Luzira Upper Prison, reportedly protested the prosecution’s decision to withdraw the charges against Kyambadde, whom he had implicated in the alleged killings.
The magistrate advised him to raise the matter before the High Court, saying her court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it after his committal.
Kulayisi’s arrest also prompted police to reopen investigations into several unsolved murder cases in the Greater Masaka sub-region dating back to 2012. Police have said investigations are ongoing to establish whether he was involved in the earlier killings.
The Judiciary said the mobile court initiative is intended to bring judicial services closer to communities, reduce geographical barriers to accessing justice and enable the affected family and members of the public to follow court proceedings.
Members of the public and the media have been invited to attend the proceedings.
The Judiciary has urged the media to report responsibly and uphold the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.