Nebanda's boyfriend Kalungi denied bail

By Michael Odeng

Kampala High Court has declined to grant bail to Adam Suleiman Kalungi, the key suspect in the murder of former Butaleja Woman MP Cerinah Nebanda.

Kalungi, a boyfriend to the late Nebanda, is facing charges of manslaughter for allegedly supplying narcotic drugs that led to the death of the 24-year old MP.

Justice Lameck Mukasa denied Kalungi, who had presented three sureties in court, bail on grounds that he may interfere with prosecution witnesses who are currently testifying at Makindye Court.

Mukasa also said that the suspect had failed to adduce evidence of his permanent place of residence.

The High Court Judge also denied him bail on grounds that the trial of the murder case was already in its advanced stage at Makindye Magistrate’s court.

“Counsel, even if bail is a constitutional right, we must consider the implications since it’s in its advanced stage with sixteen witnesses who have testified so far,” Mukasa said.

Mukasa also objected the bail application arguing that the fact that Kalungi was arrested outside the country, he may fail to show up during court proceedings.

Kalungi, who was charged with five others, faces three counts of Manslaughter, possession of narcotic drugs and supplying and dispensing restricted drugs.

The Judge also warned the defense lawyers for delaying court proceedings through unnecessary appeals.

Kalungi, through his lawyer Geoffrey Kandeebe, had applied for bail in High Court, seeking his release, pending the hearing of the matter.

The defense lawyers wanted court to grant the accused person bail since his co-accused facing the same charges were granted bail at Makindye Court.

The suspect was once denied bail by Makindye Court Chief Magistrate Esther Nambayo after he presented unsubstantial sureties in court.

Prosecution alleges that Kalungi and others still at large on December 14, 2012 while at Buziga, unlawfully caused the death of Hon Cerinah Nebanda.