Bad Black demands reinstation of appeal

By Michael Odeng & Barbra Kabahumuza

THE Court of Appeal has revoked a decision by city socialite Shanita Namuyimbwa, popularly known as Bad Black to have her appeal against conviction and four-year jail term reinstated.

On Thursday, the court presided over by three judges; Steven Kavuma, Geoffrey Kiryabwire and Faith Mwondah dismissed the application on grounds that the lawyers representing Namuyimbwa did not make a formal application for the restoration of the appeal in court.

"Oral applications can be made in the cause of hearing but not irregularly before the panel," Kiryabwire stated. 

Namuyimbwa is challenging her conviction and four-year jail term handed to her in July 2012 by then Anti-Corruption Court Judge, Catherine Bamugemereire for embezzlement of sh11b belonging to Daveshan Limited, a company she owned with her former lover David Greenhalgh.

 
Bad Black at the Court of Appeal yesterday

In a letter dated April 14, 2014 Namuyimbwa had sent a letter through the officer in charge of Luzira Women Prison, asking for the withdrawal of the appeal under provisions of rule 70 of the Court of Appeal.

However, Thursday morning, the registrar of the Court of Appeal, Deo Nizeyimana received another letter from her stating that she wants the appeal re-instated. This was after she had discussions with her lawyers Caleb Alaka and Julius Galisonga.

She apologized for the withdrawal of the appeal and prayed that her appeal be heard by the court.

Defence lawyer Alaka had earlier on asked court to restore her appeal, saying that there are fundamental questions regarding the legality of Daveshan Limited, a company in which the appellant was one of the directors.