Magara has case to answer

Jun 08, 2009

RAMADHAN Magara, the man accused of shooting to death two FDC supporters at Bulange in Mengo in 2006, has a case to answer, the court ruled yesterday.

By Edward Anyoli

RAMADHAN Magara, the man accused of shooting to death two FDC supporters at Bulange in Mengo in 2006, has a case to answer, the court ruled yesterday.

Casually dressed, Magara appeared unmoved after the judge made his ruling, which last about 10 minutes.

Magara allegedly killed Vincent Kavuma and Gideon Makabayi when he shot at a crowd waiting to be addressed by FDC boss Kizza Besigye on February 15, 2006. He is also charged with attempted murder of another FDC supporter, Haruna Byamukama, on the same day. Byamukama now moves in a wheelchair.

The incident occurred a few days to the presidential elections as Besigye was inside Bulange where he had visited the then Katikkiro, Dan Muliika.

Magara, who was attached to the Makindye RDC’s office, attempted to drive through the crowd but was blocked, prompting him to allegedly fire in the air and later at the crowd, injuring three people of whom two died at Mulago Hospital.

Justice Wilson Kwesiga yesterday ruled that the State had proved a prima facie case against Magara in all the three charges. “He is hereby put on his defence,” Kwesiga said. The trial starts on June 10.

Principal State Attorney Fred Waninda yesterday closed the prosecution case after nine witnesses testified. Byamukama is among the key witnesses. Robinah Kirinya, a government analyst, said although she examined the gun, she did not establish whether the same gun was used in the shooting.

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