City boss released on bond, bodyguard charged with murder

By Brian Mayanja

A 26-year old man accused of killing two people and injuring two others during a botched Sunday morning eviction in Kampala appeared in court on charges of murder.

Santos Komakech, a police officer deployed to guard the city’s Physical Planning Director George Agaba Ninsiima on Wednesday appeared before Nakawa Grade I Magistrate, Gladys Kasanyu.

Although there was speculation that Agaba, would appear in court, he did not. The Police at Jinja Road Station said he was released on bond.

Dressed in a black T-shirt and grey trousers, Komakech appeared calm as the court clerk read out the charges to him.

However, Komakech, who arrived in a vehicle with tinted glasses amid tight security, was not allowed to enter any plea.

 “You cannot plead to this case because this court has no jurisdiction over it. You are remanded until Feb 8th when this case will come for mention,” Kasanyu said.

Prosecutors told court that investigations into the matter were ongoing. Komakech’s lawyers namely Abel Kahaara and Grace Karuhanga did not object to the request.

Before the brief court session started, Komakech interacted with his mother and wife, who held a baby.

On Sunday KCCA officials attempted to evict people from Port Bell Luzira. Two people were killed and three others injured when Constable Santos Komakech fired live ammunition indiscriminately into a crowd.

KCCA top bosses following a Monday Morning meeting decided to suspend the city planner, Agaba and other officials following an incident.