Muslim cleric killings: Trial resumes

NATIONAL - The trial of the suspects linked to the murder of Ugandan Muslim sheikhs is on today at the Main High Court building in Kampala.

On July 18, the trial stalled after prosecution expressed inability to proceed, saying there was innumerable material of evidence that had to be exhausted and evaluated.

Justice Ezekiel Muhanguzi is heading the panel. The other members are Justices Jane Kiggundu, and Percy Night Tuhaise.

The 31 suspects allegedly networked in the murder of several sheikhs between December 2014 and June 2015.

The fallen sheikhs are Mustafa Bahiga, killed at Bwebajja mosque, off Entebbe road Abdul Kadir Muwaya, killed at his home in Mayuge district in December 2014, and Hassan Kirya in June 2015. Haruna Jemba survived assassination in January last year.

The trial, under the International Crimes Division of the High Court, is expected to be executed around the model of the International Criminal Court, which the court subscribes to.

BACKGROUND

Accused persons

Amir Uma Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, Sheikh Siraje Kawooya, Abdulsalam Ssekayanja, Abdulhamid Sematimba, Rashid Jingo, Twaha Sekkitto, Yusuf Kakande alias Abdallah, Sheikh Murta Mudde Bukenya, Hakim Kinene Muswaswa, Muzamilu Kasawuli, Arafat Serunjogi alias Bukenya, Badru Bukenya, Alex Okot, Joseph Olanya, and Amir Kenene.

Others are Aisha Nakasibante, Charles Okidi, Sheikh Fahad Kalungi, Pte RA 17029 Arajab Mubaje, Issa Matanda, Hajj Abdul Ratif Byamukama, Asadu Ssemwongerere, Solomon Kibirige, Safiyi Wadwali alias Swafi Shafi, Hamuza Kasirye, Yusuf Sentamu, Robert Bampikye, Muhamad Kalodo alias Kasibante, Musa Isa Mubiru, Ismail Ssentongo and Iga George William alias Hamuza.

Prosecution lawyers: Lino Anguzu, Thomas Jatiko, and Rachel Bikhole, and Marion Ben-Bella.

Defence lawyers: Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, Fred Muwema, MacDosman Kabega, Twaha Mayanja, Alen Kagoya, Steven Ssozi, Susan Wakabala, SylviaNamawejje, Zakia Wanjuri, and  Sarah Nakacwa.

(By Andante Okanya, Hillary Nsambu & Farooq Kasule)