Bishop Luwalira attacker could be acquitted

Jul 02, 2018

Kaddu also faces another charge of disturbing religious assemblies. He was charged under section 81 (a) and 119 of the Penal Code Act (PCA).

FACING THE LAW

Rubaga Grade One Magistrate's Court has given prosecution the last chance to present witnesses in a case where a stick-wielding man attempted to attack Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira during an Easter service, or the case gets dismissed.

Solomon Kaddu, a tour and travel driver and resident of Mackay zone in Mengo, Rubaga division, was charged with three counts including threatening violence in which prosecution says he had the intention to annoy or injure Bishop Luwalira and Rev. Benon Kityo, the dean of Namirembe diocese.

When the case came up for hearing yesterday, however, prosecution led by Immaculate Nambaju informed court that the witnesses were not summoned to appear in court. This prompted the presiding magistrate, Julius Mwesigye, to adjourn the case to July 20,2018, for further hearing.

The charging and subsequent remand of 34-year-old Kaddu followed a Police medical report that indicated that he was mentally stable and fit to stand trial contrary to his relatives' assertions that he had a mental problem.

Kaddu also faces another charge of disturbing religious assemblies. He was charged under section 81 (a) and 119 of the Penal Code Act (PCA).

The maximum penalty for the offence of threatening violence is 2-years-imprisonment while disturbing religious assemblies is one year.

Two months back, the magistrate read out the charges to the accused and he denied it, prompting his remand to Luzira Prisons.  

"Have you heard and understood the charges read out to you. Do you agree or not," the magistrate asked? And the accused said no.

Prosecution alleges that on April 1, 2018 during an Easter service at Namirembe Cathedral, Kaddu, while armed with a stick and a sack cloth, threatened to attack the Bishop amidst the congregation.

The Bishop was only saved by a bar at the altar, which trapped Kaddu and he fell before worshippers swung into action.

It is alleged that the attacker mistimed his jump and crashed on the alter barrier, which dispelled him to the ground.

Kaddu was apprehended by Police, who were joined by the congregation, ushers and priests. He was bundled out of church and the service resumed.

 

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