Susan Magara Murder Case Postponed to October Due to Funding Shortage

The hearing of the 2018 murder case involving nine suspects accused of kidnapping and killing Susan Magara, the daughter of Hoima’s businessman Kato Magara, has been postponed today (Thursday), August 17, 2023. The High Court in Kampala cited a lack of operational funds as the reason for the delay.

Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji, presiding over the court, has rescheduled the case to October 16, 2023. The hope is that by that time, sufficient funds will be available to convene a special criminal session.

State prosecutor Ms. Irene Nakibungwe informed the court that the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) is not prepared to present its witnesses due to the lack of funds to facilitate them.

Justice Ajiji emphasized the need for funds to secure a minimum of five state-paid defense attorneys to supplement the number of assessors.

The suspects, including Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamir Sali, Abubakar Kyewolya, Muhammad Kisalita, Hassan Kato Miro, Ismail Bukenya, and Musa Abasi Buvumbo, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecution, on February 7, 2018, the accused individuals kidnapped Susan Magara with the intention of demanding a ransom. After obtaining 200,000 US Dollars (approximately Shs700 million) from her family, they proceeded to murder her on February 27, 2018, in Kigo, Wakiso district. Her body was discovered in Kitiko in Kigo.

Evidence presented in the charge sheet reveals that in January 2018, the nine suspects, along with others still at large, devised a plan to alleviate their poverty. This plan allegedly involved kidnapping wealthy individuals or their family members in exchange for ransom.

The prosecution states that the suspects began tracking Susan Magara until they abducted her in Lungujja while she was on her way home.

Further evidence indicates that the accused took the victim to Amir Bukenya’s residence in Konge II Makindye. There, they severed two of her fingers and sent them to her family as proof of their determination to kill her if the ransom was not paid.

After receiving the Shs700 million ransom, they allegedly proceeded to suffocate Susan Magara with a polythene bag out of fear that her extended captivity would expose them to authorities.”

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