Trial date set for killed Kirumira murder suspect

COURT

KAMPALA - The High Court has set November 22 to start hearing the case in which Abdul-Rahman Kateregga, the man suspected to have killed ASP Muhammad Kirumira, was shot dead. 

This was after his family sought a probe into his death. 

"We served the Attorney General and the internal affairs minister and the court fixed the case for hearing on November 22," said Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, the family's lawyer.

The case is slated to be heard by High Court Judge Andrew Byabashaija, the head of the Civil Courts.

On October 5, 2018, Abdul-Rahman Kateregga was shot dead in a joint security operation by Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) operatives and Police that had raided his home to probe him over complicity in the murder of ASP Muhammad Kirumira.

However, in a media briefing, Police Deputy Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango said the intention of security operatives was not to kill Kateregga but to disable him since he attempted to flee.

Onyango disclosed that Kateregga was part of a terrorist group that took part in Kimura murder although he did not confirm whether he masterminded Kirumira murder.

On October 10, 2018, Kateregga's family led by his brother, Farouq Kaweesa filed an application at the Civil Division of the High Court seeking orders to compel the Internal Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odong to set up a coroner to probe into his death.  

A coroner is a public official who is responsible for probing the death of a person died in a sudden, violent or unusual way.

Kaweesa contends that the security operatives without any justification intentionally killed his brother in cold blood yet he was not serving a death penalty.

"My brother was on October 5, 2018, shot dead by army men without any warning at his home in Luyinja at about 5:00pm. 

"I believe his killing was violent and unnatural.  I have been advised by my lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi that his death is a subject of an inquest under the inquests Act and we pray for the same," Kaweesa contends.

Kaweesa argues that it is necessary for the internal affairs minister to appoint a coroner to probe into his unlawful death.

Rwakafuuzi explained that they want an inquest into Kateregga's death to establish the lawfulness of his death.

On October 5, CMI and the Police raided what they described as ‘terrorism cell' of several suspects allegedly implicated in activities linked to terrorism.

According to Police in the course of arresting the said suspects, Kateregga was injured and died while being rushed to hospital for medical attention due to injuries sustained.

Eye witnesses says that Kateregga had just returned from work and passed by his wife's work place (kiosk), where he was found by security operatives who shot him as he tried to run away. He was shot near the Northern Bypass, where security men cornered him.

Kirumira with a businesswoman, identified as Resty Mbabazi alias Nalinya were early last month fatally shot near his residence in Bulenga, Wakiso district.

Several suspects including seven police officers have been arrested in connection to Kirumira's murder but only one has since been produced in court.