Journalists blocked from Mubiru sodomy case trial

By Michael Odeng

Journalists have been barred from covering proceedings regarding a case in which former Sports Club Villa manager, Christopher Mubiru Kisingiri, is accused of performing sexual acts against the order of nature.

On Thursday, Emmanuel Nyanzi, a victim in the case appeared before Buganda Road court chief magistrate Lillian Buchyana to testify against Mubiru. The case was held in chambers. All journalists who tried to access the chambers were sent away.

Prosecution led by Lilian Omara alleges that Mubiru on December 2009 at Mengo- Kisingiri zone in Rubaga division had canal knowledge of Emmanuel Nyanzi against the order of nature.

Mubiru, also former cranes team manager, was charged under Section 1 (29) of the Penal Code Act. This crime is punishable by 18 years in prison on conviction. He denied the charges preferred against him on January 6, 2014.

Police opened an enquiry file last year but had failed to arrest Mubiru because he had reportedly fled the country. However, he later returned and was arrested on December 15 and detained at Katwe Police Station in Kampala.

Mubiru was released on police bond on December 22, 2013 and requested to continue report to Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Directorate (CIID) headquarters.

Police opened the file following complaints from the victim and published video photos that were got from a stolen computer showing him (Mubiru) allegedly engaging in sexual relations with the youths.

Mubiru was later on charged and released on sh3m cash bail after presenting two substantial sureties in court who were also bonded at sh30m not cash. The sureties were his friend, Abudallah Mugalu and his sister Irene Nabawanuka.

The court adjourned the case to August 1, 2014 for further hearing.