Written By |
Principle Judge Zeija
Search
Nine individuals have been charged before the International Crimes Division of the High Court for allegedly attempting to murder Principal Judge Flavian Zeija and killing 12 people, including police officers. The accused appeared before Justice Alice Komuhangi today, denying the charges, and were remanded to Luzira Prison.
The accused are Moses Asuman Katende, Abudulatif Balikoowa, Adam Guloba Weduma, Faisal Musana, Aidah Nakamatte, Rahma Namuganza, Rahma Namala, Afusa Namwase, and Abdulrahman Kabwiso.
They face charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, belonging to a terrorist organization, terrorism financing, and aiding and abetting terrorism. The offences of terrorism and murder carry a maximum sentence of death upon conviction, while aggravated robbery carries a life imprisonment sentence.
The pre-trial of the accused was delayed after defense lawyer Geoffrey Turyamusima claimed that some of the accused, including Katende, were tortured. Katende, who was wheeled into the courtroom by a male prison warden, requested a pillow, citing back pain.
"My client was tortured; that's why he cannot stand in court. He is in pain and needs specialized medical attention," Turyamusima said.
The judge adjourned the case to September 16, 2024, to allow prison authorities to provide a medical report on Katende's condition to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Senior State Attorney Marion Ben Bella represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Some of the accused appearing in court
The prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large, in various areas including Namayingo, Mpigi, Wakiso, Iganga, Kampala, Luwero, and Butambala districts, unlawfully manufactured, delivered, placed, discharged, or detonated explosives or other lethal devices in public places between 2021 and 2023. The aim was to influence the government or intimidate the public for political, religious, social, or economic reasons, without regard for the safety of others or property. The accused are also alleged to have intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to several people, including Judge Zeija and police officers.
Those killed include Robert Charles Ogwang, James Amuriat, Asuman Mutengula, Kassim Tenywa, Nathan Amuron, Samuel Muhindo, Ibra Kalyango, and Peter Nsubuga. Police victims include Inspector Alex Wagaluka and Constables Lawrence Otim, Moses Ongol, and Stephen Odama. The accused also face charges of attempting to murder police officers Kassim Opirisi, James Tumusiime, Wilson Nanyuba, Dan Maate Birengesio, Denis Elika, Grace Buwande, Zabron Musinguzi, Moses Mawa, Stephen Vuchiri, and James Okia. Prosecution alleges that Katende, Balikoowa, Weduma, Musana, Kabwiso, and others on July 31, 2022, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of police officers and civilians, and stole a gun with live ammunition from the officers after killing them.
The prosecution further alleges that Nakamatte and others between 2018 and 2023 in Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, willingly collected or provided funds directly or indirectly, intending or knowing that the funds would be used by the suspected terrorists or the Allied Democratic Forces, a terrorist organization. Part of the funds were allegedly used by Namwase, Segawa, Namuganza, Namala, and others to carry out terrorist acts.
