Binaisa's son mentally unfit for trial

By Edward Anyoli   

The High Court has delayed the trial of Francis Binaisa Birungi, son of former Ugandan president Godfrey Binaisa, who is facing defilement charges, on grounds that he may not be mentally fit. 

Justice Albert Rugadya on Tuesday adjourned the trial to April18 to enable Birungi undergo treatment for three months.

 “The accused is unable to make his defence. He shall undergo treatment for three months after which court will resume with the trial,” Justice Rugadya said.

Binaisa Birungi 54, who is accused of aggravated defilement of a 12 -year old girl, was due to open his defence against the charges on Tuesday but his lawyer Yunus Kasirivu told court that his client was not mentally fit to defend himself.

Kasirivu said although Birungi has had no record of mental illness, he has exhibited unpredictable behavior that includes verbal aggression.

Julius Muron, a psychiatrist from Murchison Bay Hospital recommended that Birungi undergo treatment for three months to enable him regain his mental status.

Five witnesses have testified against Birungi. Prosecutors allege that the accused [Birungi], between November2010 and April 2011, had sexual intercourse with a girl below the age of 18 years.

Prosecutors further allege that Birungi defiled the girl three times until the victim reported the matter to her teacher who in turn reported the matter to police.

It has emerged that the victim is a cousin to the accused, and that they lived in the same house in Luvuma Zone Makindye division, a Kampala suburb.