DPP takes over Prof. Baryamureeba case
Aug 03, 2010
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken over a case in which the Makerere University vice-chancellor, Prof Venasius Baryamureeba, is accused of malicious damage and theft of property.
By Andante Okanya
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken over a case in which the Makerere University vice-chancellor, Prof Venasius Baryamureeba, is accused of malicious damage and theft of property.
Buganda Road Court was yesterday informed of the development after criminal summons were issued on July 26 by Grade One Magistrate John Wekesa.
However, Baryamureeba, who was expected to appear and defend himself over the allegations, was not in court.
His lawyers, Goddy Muhumuza and John Fischer Kanyemebwa, told the court that he was served with the summons, but that he was unable to attend because he was chairing an important meeting at the university.
The DPP has taken over the case because he has statutory powers to handle and prosecute all criminal cases.
State prosecutor Kate Basuuta told the court, presided over by Grade One Magistate Francis Kobusheshe, that the DPP had instructed her to take over prosecution of the case.
She asked the court for an adjournment to enable prosecution prepare and analyse the evidence against Baryamureeba.
According to details of the offence, Baryamureeba, on July 19, unlawfully destroyed two buildings in Katanga village in Wandegeya, one belonged to Stephen Mukasa and was valued at sh200m.
It is alleged that the building materials also belonged to Mukasa.
In his complaint, Mukasa claims ownership of eight acres of land on block 38 at Katanga since 1983. Mukasa’s lawyer Stephen Mungoma agreed to cooperate with the DPP.
Accordingly, Kobusheshe adjourned the hearing and extended the criminal summons to September 3.
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has taken over a case in which the Makerere University vice-chancellor, Prof Venasius Baryamureeba, is accused of malicious damage and theft of property.
Buganda Road Court was yesterday informed of the development after criminal summons were issued on July 26 by Grade One Magistrate John Wekesa.
However, Baryamureeba, who was expected to appear and defend himself over the allegations, was not in court.
His lawyers, Goddy Muhumuza and John Fischer Kanyemebwa, told the court that he was served with the summons, but that he was unable to attend because he was chairing an important meeting at the university.
The DPP has taken over the case because he has statutory powers to handle and prosecute all criminal cases.
State prosecutor Kate Basuuta told the court, presided over by Grade One Magistate Francis Kobusheshe, that the DPP had instructed her to take over prosecution of the case.
She asked the court for an adjournment to enable prosecution prepare and analyse the evidence against Baryamureeba.
According to details of the offence, Baryamureeba, on July 19, unlawfully destroyed two buildings in Katanga village in Wandegeya, one belonged to Stephen Mukasa and was valued at sh200m.
It is alleged that the building materials also belonged to Mukasa.
In his complaint, Mukasa claims ownership of eight acres of land on block 38 at Katanga since 1983. Mukasa’s lawyer Stephen Mungoma agreed to cooperate with the DPP.
Accordingly, Kobusheshe adjourned the hearing and extended the criminal summons to September 3.