Makindye acid victim narrates ordeal in court

AN acid attack victim yesterday told court that she lost her senses and sight for three days. She gained her senses and sight while at Mulago Hospital, reports Solomon Muyita. Teopista Naluwaga, 18, of Zana-Kirimanya Zone, Makindye Division, was testifying in a case in which Sarah Namubiru is charged with attempted murder and causing grievous harm. Naluwaga was testifying before the Luweero Chief Magistrate, Ms Jane Alividza, at the Makindye Court, Kampala. Naluwaga identified Namubiru as the person who poured acid on her face and told the court that she had not known the accused before. Namubiru had told her (Naluwaga's) brothers that they were friends and demanded to see her. "My brother Kayiwa told me that my friend was calling me at the road and when I went there, I met that woman, but I did not know her. She walked past me holding a small bag. When I looked back, she poured some liquid onto my face," Naluwaga said. Naluwaga, who covered herself with a lesu, had a deformed face, no right ear and was so weak to support herself. She was supported to walk and sit on a chair in the dock. State attorney Robert Tumwine alleged that on April 13, 2000 at Kirimanya Zone, Namubiru unlawfully attempted to cause death of Naluwaga. Edward Muguluma, appearing for Naluwaga, represented the State. Namubiru is also accused of causing grievous harm to Farouk Kayiwa, Naluwaga's brother, on the same day. The court heard that Kayiwa also sustained injuries as he tried to help the sister. Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate John Arutu first handled the case, but prosecution complained when he granted Namubiru a sh100,000 bail. The case was transferred to Alividza.