Turinawe, suspected magistrate attackers case set for hearing
Oct 08, 2019
Turinawe, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Women’s League chairperson, is battling two counts of common nuisance and assaulting a police officer.
COURT
KAMPALA-The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates' Court has set October 31, to begin hearing testimonies of the state witnesses lined up to pin Ingrid Turinawe and other six suspected magistrate attackers.
This was after the state prosecutor, Ivan Kyazze informed court that investigations in the matter were complete and their witnesses were ready to testify.
"Your worship, investigations in the matter before this honourable court are done and we are ready to proceed," Kyazze said.
Turinawe, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Women's League chairperson, is battling two counts of common nuisance and assaulting a police officer.
Whereas the six suspected magistrates' attackers; Simon Wanyera, Abdullah Waiswa, Augustine Ojobile, Joel Kabali, Fatuma Abenabyo, and Moses Katumba are charged with inciting violence, contempt of court, malicious damage to property and common assault.
Prior to completion of inquiries, prosecution fronted two witnesses who included Assistant Inspector of Police, Rosemary Tumusiime and Sergeant Patrick Alunyo.
"Other witnesses are on official duties but will be available on the next hearing date," Kyazze added.
Upon state submission, the Principle Grade One Magistrate Robert Mukanza adjourned the case saying the trial magistrate meant to hear the case was not in court.
"I fix this case to October 31, 2019, when the trial magistrate, Stella Amabilis, will be in court, hearing of state witnesses will kickoff then," Mukanza ruled as he adjourned the case.
Ingrid Turinawe (center), the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) women's league chairperson seated with other suspects in court
The charge
The prosecution alleges that on August 4, 2019, at Central Police Station in Kampala, Turinawe did an act that caused annoyance or inconvenienced the public in the exercise of her leading to the conclusion that she was a common nuisance.
It is also asserted that she assaulted detective sergeant Patrick Alunyu thereby occasioning him bodily harm.
On the magistrate attackers, it is alleged that the six accused and others still at large on August 2, 2019, at Buganda Road Court incited court audience to do an act of violence against her worship Gladys Kamasanyu by reason of her office.
The accused also, within the premises of the court in which a judicial proceeding was being heard, showed disrespect in speech manner to reference of the said proceeding and the magistrate presiding by abusing her (Kamasanyu) with obscene words and throwing a bottle of mineral water at the magistrate and making noise in court.
It is also alleged that Kabali, Wanyera, Abenabyo, and others still at large unlawfully damaged or destroyed walk detector machines, the property of Buganda Road Court.
Prosecution adds that Abenabyo on the same date commonly assaulted her worship Kamasanyu an act contrary to section 235 of the Penal Code Act.
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