Written By | Jovita Hasto
The court directed that Fr Ssekabira pay Shs15 million in cash bail and surrender his passport before being released. His sureties were bonded at Shs50 million non-cash
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MASAKA
Masaka High Court has today granted Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira bail. Fr Ssekabira has been facing charges of money laundering involving Shs500 million following his abduction on December 3. Today, the prosecution, led by Brian Kalinaki, asked the court to return Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira’s case to the Chief Magistrate’s Court so that he can take a plea in the matter in which he is accused of laundering Shs500 million. The prosecution argued that Fr Ssekabira’s committal to the High Court was improper.
“The procedures followed to bring Fr Ssekabira before the High Court were improper. The Chief Magistrate’s Court did not commit him to the High Court for trial,” he said.
The court directed that Fr Ssekabira pay Shs15 million in cash bail and surrender his passport before being released. His sureties were bonded at Shs50 million non-cash.
In the event that Fr Ssekabira fails to appear in court, each surety will be required to pay Shs50 million in cash to the court.
It should be recalled that on January 27, the prosecution, led by Deborah Itwau, requested an adjournment to February 10 and assured the court that they would be ready to commence hearing of the case.
At the time, Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba warned that if the prosecution appeared unprepared on the scheduled date, she would reconsider granting Fr Ssekabira bail.
However, today the prosecution informed the court that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case and that it should instead be referred back to the lower court.
Justice Katamba later ruled that Fr Ssekabira has a right to apply for bail and subsequently granted it.
“Fr Ssekabira has a right to bail after the court assessed the sureties and considered the charges against him,” she said.
Sam Ssekyewa, the lead counsel for Fr Ssekabira, welcomed the decision, saying the presiding judge had delivered justice.
“The judge has granted bail to Fr Ssekabira so that he can be out as the case proceeds,” he said.
He added that the judge carefully considered several objections before granting bail.
“Initially, there were arguments about jurisdiction between the lower court and the High Court. The judge ruled that the High Court has the power to hear the matter and grant bail. We are really happy with the decision. The High Court has affirmed that it has the authority to handle this case,” he added.
Following the ruling, Catholic leaders, family members, and friends of Fr Ssekabira were in a jubilant mood as they celebrated the court’s decision to grant him bail.
Torch Media Africa
