Dashed hopes as Kaweesi murder suspects return to Luzira

Suspects accused of complicity in the murder Kaweesi at court. Photo by Ivan Kabuye

CRIME|JUSTICE

KAMPALA - They came to court with excitement, some believing they were at last going to be able to mingle with relatives. The relatives were ready at court and waiting for the suspects.

Having spent two years on remand, the trial judge Lydia Mugambe raised their hopes when she told them she had granted them bail and that they will be released on Friday.

However, the hope of eight men accused of complicity in the murder of the former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi hit a snag.

In a twist of events, Mugambe who had earlier ruled that the suspects could be set free and the verification of their national identity cards and residence done at a later stage has insisted that it has to be done before their release.

This prompted the accused's lawyers Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi to request for seven days to fulfill the directive.

Mugambe has adjourned the matter until April 11 and the suspects have also been remanded until then.

Some of the accused's relatives described the development as double standard by the court.

"They told us that they have given them bail but now they do not want to release them? This is double standard," One Musa said.

On Tuesday, High Court judge Lydia Mugambe released the suspects on bail after spending two years on remand without trial.

Mugambe released each of the accused on a non-cash bail of sh150m while their sureties were bonded at sh250m not cash.

"Considering the long period the applicants have spent on remand without trial, I am inclined to release all of you on bail after presenting substantial sureties in court," Mugambe ruled.

They are Abdul-Rashid Mbaziira, Aramanzani Noordin Higenyi alias Taata Abdullazack, Yusuf Mugerwa alias Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa alias Jimmy Masiga Ogutu, Joshua Magezi Kyambadde alias Abdu Rahman, Jibril Kalyango alias Abu Aisha, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi alias Jimmy Ssentamu and Shafik Kasujja. 

The group is part of the 23 suspects that were charged with Kaweesi murder and later committed to the High Court on October 23, 2017 to stand trial.

Their release on bail means that all the suspects in regard to Kaweesi murder are now out on bail as the investigation on the exact killers of Kaweesi goes on.

However, they were further remanded until today to enable them furnish in court the necessary documents like the national identity cards required as part of their bail conditions.

Kaweesi was killed in cold blood on March 17, 2017 in the city suburbs of Kulambiro in Nakawa division together with his body guard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Mambewo.

The charges

Prosecution alleges that the group, between January and March 2017 in diverse districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo and others still at large for purposes of influencing government involved themselves in complicity of murder of Kaweesi.

It further alleges that the accused rendered support to known members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), rebel group in executing terrorism acts in the country.

Last year, their co-accused were released on mandatory bail by Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court pending investigations in their case.

They are Umar Maganda, Ahmed Ssenfuka, Sheikh Musa Ntende, Hassan Tumusiime, Ibrahim Kissa, Hamid Magambo, Abdul-Majid Ojerere, Sauda Ayub, Osman Muhammed Omar, Asuman Mugoya, Ibrahim Ssemwanga alias superman and Swaleh Ddamulira.    They are slated to appear before Nakawa Court on April 23.

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