Summary:
- The trial of seven individuals accused of terrorism and the murder of former Police Spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi in Kampala has been adjourned to March 4th, 2024, for a ruling on charges confirmation. One of the accused, Shafiq Kasujja, is being tried in absentia. The defense lawyers were granted an extension until December 11th, 2023, to submit their responses. Three of the accused remain in remand on separate charges.
Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has postponed the trial involving seven individuals accused of terrorism and the murder of former Police Spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi. The adjournment extends the proceedings to March 4th, 2024, when a ruling on the confirmation of charges is expected.
Kaweesi, along with his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Godfrey Mambewa, was fatally shot on March 17th, 2017, in Kulambiro Nakawa Division, Kampala District.
The accused individuals, namely Abdulrashid Mbaziira, Hamza Higenyi, Shafiq Kasujja, Yusuf Mugerwa, Bruhan Balyejjusa, Joshua Kyambadde, Jibril Kalyango, Yusuf Nyanzi, and Shafiq Kasujja, face charges of murder, aggravated robbery, terrorism, aiding and abetting terrorism, and association with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a designated terrorist group.
Notably, Kasujja is being tried in absentia, having skipped bail to facilitate a swift trial for his co-accused.
During the recent court appearance, Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha addressed the compliance with her order for written submissions. State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka informed the court that the defense lawyers Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi and David Kasadda had not filed their responses. Birivumbuka cited delays in receiving disclosures and instructions for Kasadda, and the unavailability of responses from Rwakafuuzi. Consequently, he requested more time for Kasadda to file a reply and for Rwakafuuzi to comply, suggesting the court deliver its decision on notice.
Kasadda explained that Rwakafuuzi, despite being unwell, is diligently working to meet the court’s directives. In response, Justice Komuhangi granted an extension until December 11th, 2023, for the defense to file their submissions. She directed Rwakafuuzi and Kasadda to serve the Prosecution by the same date and adjourned the matter to March 4th, 2024, for a ruling.
The outcome of the ruling will determine whether the charges against the suspects are dismissed or confirmed, with the possibility of the case proceeding to the trial judge.
It’s worth noting that three of the accused individuals remain in remand on separate charges. Yusuf Nyanzi, Aramazan Noordin Higenyi (alias Taata Abdallazack), and Abdulrashid Mbaziira (alias Buyondo Muhammed) are held in connection with various capital offenses and high-profile murders. Nyanzi, for instance, faces charges related to the killings of Kaweesi, Major Muhammad Kiggundu, and others. Despite being granted bail for the Kaweesi murder, Higenyi and Mbaziira are still in remand for child trafficking charges pending before the Mukono Court.
