Kaweesi murder suspects to discover bail fate on Friday

The international crimes division of the High Court is on Friday slated to order the temporary release of eight men accused of murdering former Police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

On Tuesday, the group appeared before court registrar Stella Atim expecting to regain their temporary freedom but she deferred their release to Friday.

"Upon perusing the court file, I found out that the ruling was not signed by the judge and she is indisposed. In the circumstance, it is prudent that the judge first signs the ruling to enable the registrar sign your release order forms. You are therefore further remanded until Friday," Atim stated.      

The accused are Abdul-Rashid Mbaziira, Aramanzani Noordin Higenyi alias Taata Abdullazack, Yusuf Mugerwa alias Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa alias Jimmy Masiga Ogutu, Joshua Magezi Kyambadde alias Abdu Rahman, Jibril Kalyango alias Abu Aisha, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi alias Jimmy Ssentamu and Shafik Kasujja. 

On March 19, 2019, High Court judge Lydia Mugambe released each of them on a non-cash bail of sh150m while their sureties were bonded at sh250m not cash. However, they are yet to enjoy their temporary freedom.

The group is part of the 23 suspects that were charged over Kaweesi's murder and later committed to the High Court on October 23, 2017, to stand trial.

The charge

Prosecution alleges that the group between January and March 2017 in diverse districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo and others still at large, for purposes of influencing government, involved themselves in complicity to murder of Kaweesi.

Kaweesi was killed in cold blood on March 17, 2017, in Kulambiro, Nakawa division, together with his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Mambewo.

It is further alleged that the accused rendered support to Balyejusa and Ogutu, who are alleged known members of rebel group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).