Muslim Murders: Sheikh Kamoga, co-accused start defence

Sheikh Yunus Kamoga and 13 others accused of complicity in the murder of sheikhs Mustafa Bahiga and Ibrahim Kirya, are scheduled to start their defence testimony on Tuesday. 

On March 4, the trial panel of three judges ruled that the state had made grave allegations that necessitate the accused to defend themselves against offences of murder and terrorism. 

The lead panellist is Justice Ezekiel Muhanguzi. Others are Percy Night Tuhaise and Jane Kiggundu. 

Charges

The indictment report shows that the 14 accused are battling four counts. Count one is of Terrorism, which is outlawed under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

For terrorism, it is alleged that between December 2013 and June 2015, in Kampala and Wakiso, the accused attempted or attacked Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Mahmoud Kibaate, Najib Ssonko, Bahiga, Kirya, Swidiq Ndaula, and Haruna Jjemba.

Count two and three are for murder, which is prohibited under Section 188 and 189 of Uganda's Penal Code Act.

For count two, it is alleged that on December 28, 2014, the accused, with others still at large, conspired premeditatedly to murder Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga at Bwebajja, Wakiso district.

For count three, it is purported that on June 30, 2015, Kirya was murdered at Bweyogerere Trading Centre in Wakiso.

Count four is attempted murder, prohibited under Section 204 of PCA. It is alleged that the accused attempted to assassinate Sheikh Jjemba on January 3, 2015 at his home in Watuba, Matugga, Wakiso district.

Accused Persons: Sheikh Siraje Kawooya, Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, Sheikh Murta Mudde Bukenya, Sheikh Fahad Kalungi, Amir Kinene, Hakim Kinene Muswaswa, Yusuf Kakande, Sheikh Abdulsalam Sekayanja, Abdulhamid Mubiru Sematimba,Hamza Kasirye,Twaha Ssekitto,Rashid Jjingo, Musa Issa Mubiru, and George William Iga

Prosecution lawyers: Lino Anguzu, Thomas Jatiko, and Rachel Bikhole, and Marion Ben-Bella.

Defence lawyers: Fred Muwema, MacDosman Kabega, Roberts Kagoro, Twaha Mayanja, Allen Kagoya, Sarah Nakacwa, and Charles Nsubuga.​