DPP appeals against Draru sentence
Sep 20, 2011
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is set to appeal against a High court ruling that acquitted Lydia Draru of murder of former army commander Maj. Gen James Kazini and instead convicted her of manslaughter.
By Online Reporter
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is set to appeal against a High court ruling that acquitted Lydia Draru of murder of former army commander Maj. Gen James Kazini and instead convicted her of manslaughter.
Principal State Attorney Fred Kakooza on Tuesday said the DPP was not satisfied with the sentence.
According to a notice to appeal, the DDP Richard Buteera argues that the trial judge erred in her judgment and wants the court of appeal to convict Draru of murder.
High Court in Kampala early this month convicted Draru for manslaughter and sentenced her to 14 years in prison for killing Kazini.
Justice Monica Mugenyi acquitted Draru of the charge of murder, and instead found her guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment.
The judge agreed with Draru and her lawyers Annet Mutabingwa and Musa Sembajja, who maintained throughout the trial that she did not intend to kill Kazini but acted in self-defence. Draru repeatedly hit Kazini with an iron bar.
Prosecution said that Draru committed
the offence on November 10, 2009 at Namuwongo Project Zone, Wabigalo in Makindye Division, Kampala.
Draru was a girlfriend to the former army commander, and has since admitted having killed him. She has been on remand for close to two years.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is set to appeal against a High court ruling that acquitted Lydia Draru of murder of former army commander Maj. Gen James Kazini and instead convicted her of manslaughter.
Principal State Attorney Fred Kakooza on Tuesday said the DPP was not satisfied with the sentence.
According to a notice to appeal, the DDP Richard Buteera argues that the trial judge erred in her judgment and wants the court of appeal to convict Draru of murder.
High Court in Kampala early this month convicted Draru for manslaughter and sentenced her to 14 years in prison for killing Kazini.
Justice Monica Mugenyi acquitted Draru of the charge of murder, and instead found her guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment.
The judge agreed with Draru and her lawyers Annet Mutabingwa and Musa Sembajja, who maintained throughout the trial that she did not intend to kill Kazini but acted in self-defence. Draru repeatedly hit Kazini with an iron bar.
Prosecution said that Draru committed
the offence on November 10, 2009 at Namuwongo Project Zone, Wabigalo in Makindye Division, Kampala.
Draru was a girlfriend to the former army commander, and has since admitted having killed him. She has been on remand for close to two years.