Prosecution witnesses to conclude in Kampala bomb case

By Vision Reporters

The prosecution team in the terror trial of the 13 alleged masterminds of the July 11, 2010 Kampala twin bombings, is set to conclude with its witnesses this week.

On Thursday, prosecutor Lino Anguzu, told court presided over by Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, that beginning Tuesday, tomorow, the last batch of prosecution witnesses will complete submission of evidence.

A total of 74 prosecution witnesses have so far testified, since March this year, including  personnel from America’s spy agency, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Kenyans and Tanzanians.

A total of 76 people perished in the two incidents that occurred at Kyadondo Rugby Club and the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kampala. Many were injured.

Revelers were watching the World Cup Final game between Spain and Holland, at the tournament played in South Africa.

The third bomb planted at Makindye House in the city suburb of Makindye failed to go off. It was rigged to explode when the phone rang but it malfunctioned. It was recovered the next day.

Also on Thursday at the Main High Court where the trial is being conducted, prosecution had been scheduled to produce a witness.

However, Anguzu told court that it had been difficult to locate the intended witness. He requested for an adjournment, to enable prosecution complete its case.

The defence team led by Caleb Alaka, did not object to the prosecution, which prompted the judge to acknowledge prosecution’s position.

“The state is putting us on notice that they close their case next week. The matter is adjourned to Tuesday November 24, 2015 at 9:30am for further hearing,” the judge stated.

Case fact file

Presiding Judge: Alfonse Owiny-Dollo

Prosecution team: Susan Okalany, Lino Anguzu, Thomas Jatiko, and Rachael Bikhole.

Defence lawyers: Caleb Alaka, Yunus Kasirivu, Evans Ochieng, and Annette Badda.

Accused: Hussein Hassan Agade, Idris Magondu, Isa Ahamed Luyima, Hassan Haruna Luyima, Abubakari Batematyo, and Yahya Suleiman Mbuthia, Habib Suleiman Njoroge, Omar Awadh Omar, Mohammad Hamid Sulaiman, Seleman Hijar Nyamandondo, Mohammad Ali Mohammad, Dr Ismael Kalule, and Muzafar Luyima.