A total of eight suspects behind the attempted murder of Gen. Katumba Wamala have been committed to the International Crimes Division in Kololo for trial.
The accused however didn’t appear in court because prison was unable to produce them from Luzira Maximum jail on grounds that they were informed late.
Lawyers to the accused led by Geoffrey Turyamusiima and Nalukoola Luyimbazi asked court to adjourn the matter to a later date, arguing that they cannot proceed to pre- hearing in the absence of their clients.
The presiding Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha consequently directed the prisons to produce the suspects on November 14th, 2022 for the pretrial hearing to continue.
The prosecution led by Marion Ben Bella told court that prosecution is set to share with the defense lawyers the evidence they intend to rely on to prosecute the suspects.
The Court therefore directed that prosecution shares with the defense the evidence they have in their possession by the close of business on Wednesday.
Meanwhile in court, journalists were not allowed to sit and take note of the proceedings.
Speaking to our court reporter Rashidah Nakaayi after adjournment, Defence lawyer Turyamusiima explained that they expect evidence dating back to between 2017 and 2021 because they believe that their clients are not guilty until proven otherwise.
He also expressed optimism that the accused will be able to access bail once they apply since this court has jurisdictions to grant it.
The accused were committed to the International Crimes Division by the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court to face trial on 30 charges.
They face charges related to terrorism, 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, rendering services to a terrorist group – the Allied Democratic Forces, financing terrorism activities, and belonging to a terrorist organization.
The suspects were first arraigned before the court on five charges including the attempted murder of Gen. Katumba Wamala, his bodyguard Sergeant Khalid Kuboit and Boniface Mucunguzi.
They survived the shooting which claimed the lives of Brenda Nantongo, the daughter of Gen. Katumba, and his driver Sgt Haruna Kayondo which occurred on June 1, 2021, along Kisota road in Kisaasi, a Kampala city suburb.
The suspects are Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi, Hussein Sserubula, Muhammad Kagugube, Sirimani Kisambira, Abudullah Aziz Ramadhan, Dunka, Kamada Walusimbi, Habib Ramadhan Marjan and Huzaifah Wampa.
