Kasiwukira murder case stalls over lack of witnesses

The trial of three suspected killers of slain city businessman Eria Ssebunya Bugembe alias Kasiwukira was on Monday stalled at the High Court in Kampala following the absence of prosecution witnesses in court.

The widow of the slain businessman Sarah Nabikolo, 62, her cousin sister Sandra Nakungu, 36, and a police officer Ashraf Jaden, 40, who were charged for allegedly murdering Kasiwukira were further remanded to Luzira Prsion.

Speaking during the proceedings, which was held in the Judge's chamber,  Principal State Attorney,  Samali Wakooli asked court to halt the proceedings, citing lack of witnesses.

"The case had been fixed today for further hearing, but we are not ready because the witnesses did not turn up in court," She requested.

Meanwhile, her request was not objected by the defence lawyers who included MacDusman Kabega,   Ladislaus Rwaakafuzi and Leonard Kasibante.

This prompted the presiding Judge, Wilson Masalu Musene, the head of Criminal division of the High Court to postpone the hearing of the case.

At the moment, over 17 witnesses have testified against the accused persons.

Clad in formal black dress and a pink jacket, Nabikolo looked confident before the presiding judge as his clerk interpreted the court proceedings in Luganda. 

The trio was indicted with the offence of murder contrary to section 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act (PCA). Any person who is convicted of murder faces a maximum penalty of death.

Prosecution alleges that Kasiwukira was on October 17, 2014 reportedly murdered at about 6:00am in Muyenga diplomatic zone.