Court to accredit journalists for Lwakataka murder case

By Davis Buyondo and Dismus Buregeya

THE presence of people who secretly film and take pictures in the ongoing murder trial involving rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka at Masaka High Court has attracted concerns from the presiding judge and journalists.

The High Court has now decided to accredit journalists to cover the proceedings to avoid working in an environment which could hinder the proceedings.

During key suspect Asuman Muddu’s appearance in court on 9th July, people were seen secretly filming the proceedings.

The same group was also seen filming state witnesses on Monday. The witnesses were Julius Kiryowa, James Kagolo Kato (48), a neighbour to the deceased persons and detective Twaha Ssemanda (lead investigator).

Justice Eudes Keitirima, who is presiding over the case, confirmed the new procedure saying that very many people posing as reporters have caused a lot of apprehension in court.

Keitirima said that the set condition also comes after persistent claims of threats to journalists assigned to cover the proceedings. He explained that suspicious characters can interfere with the work of the judge, prosecution, defense team, witnesses and court assessors.

“Filming and taking photos in court will be only for accredited reporters and in the next session’s tags will be availed for them.” Keitirima said.

Edward Bindhe, the Secretary General of South Buganda Journalists Association (SOBUJA), told New Vision that several masqueraders and genuine reporters have been clashing on several occasions in court claiming to be reporters of the same media organisation.

Bindhe added that several journalists have been threatened by rally driver Lwakataka’s supporters and family members who attend court during the proceedings.

Hannipher Namuwonge, the SOBUJA vice president, said that selection of journalists to attend such high profile cases is long overdue adding that it will be for the good of their safety.

“Suspicious people should be excluded from covering this case. We are afraid because the environment in which we operate in court raises fears over freedoms as journalists,” she explained.

Hassan Khamba, the lead defense lawyer in the case, said that there are no boundaries for journalists since they are free to cover areas of their choice.

He added that hand-picking journalists to cover this case, is uncalled for since court is open to all reporters regardless of their area of operation.

Asuman Muddu, the key suspect in the murder case in which nine family members were killed was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the charges.

He was on the same file, KASENSERO CRB/015/13, with Lwakataka, Vincent Fagensi a Tanzanian national, Emmanuel Zzinda and others still at large.

The gruesome incident happened on January 13, 2013 at Mutegombwa village in Kanabulemu parish at Kyebe Sub-county, Rakai district.

Unknown assailants attacked and murdered Pastor Steven Mugambe of Kyebe Pentecostal Church, his wife Noeline Nalinya and other family members.  

Others are, Bena Nakivumbi, Jane Nakiwala, Christine Nasimbwa, Max Nakirijja, Dan Kazibwe, Andrew Mpeirwe and Maria Nakajugo Musanya.

Court is scheduled to resume on 13th August for further hearing.