Investigation in Kaweesi murder case delayed

INVESTIGATION

KAMPALA - Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has deferred the case in which 14 people including a female are under probe over their alleged involvement in the murder of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

Grade One Magistrate Romans Odwori Posiano was this morning  compelled to adjourn the case until November 7 after state attorney Hanifah Kasana informed court that the police file was not in court.

"Your worship, the police file is not in court. In the premises, I pray that the matter is given another date," Kasana submitted.

The accused are Ahmed Shaban Ssenfuka, Umar Maganda, Sheikh Musa Ntende, Hassan Tumusiime, Ibrahim Kissa, Hamid Magambo, Abdul-Majid Ojerere, Sauda Ayub, Osman Muhammed Omar, Asuman Mugoya, Ibrahim Ssemwanga alias superman and Swaleh Ddamulira.  They are currently on mandatory bail.

In May 2017, the group was charged with several counts of murder and terrorism in regard to Kaweesi murder.

They are battling the charges together with 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 who have since been committed to the High Court to stand trial.

On September 11, this year, the International Crimes Division of the High Court also released them on bail over Kaweesi murder.

Kaweesi was killed in cold blood on March 17, 2017 in the city suburbs of Kulambiro in Nakawa division. He was killed together with his body guard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Mambewo.

Suspects speak out on Kayihura

Immediately after court, the 14 led by Ssenfuka decried delayed investigations in their case, arguing that the state should drop the charges against them claiming that they never committed the offence.

"The reason why it has taken the police over two years without getting credible evidence pining us on the matter is because we never committed the offence. It is a pity that they have kept us reporting to court instead of saying sorry to us," Ssenfuka said.

Ssenfuka also used  the platform to express excitement over former police chief Gen. Kale Kayihura woes.

"Kayihura approached me on several occasions telling me to confess to Kaweesi murder but I declined. He asked to act as a witness against my co-accused in turn for money but I refused. Therefore, I am very happy on whatever happening to him and it is the start of his troubles. How can he fabricate charges against us," Ssenfuka said.

The case

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 of murder of Kaweesi.

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