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@observer Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:48:50
Murder trial: Katanga’s sister labeled a liar in court
During last week’s court sessions in the case of Uganda vs. Molly Katanga and four others, the defense team continued its cross-examination of the prosecution’s ninth witness, Noame Nyangweso, sister to the deceased businessman, Henry Katanga. The cross-examination, led by Counsel Jet Tumwebaze, focused on alleged irregularities in Nyangweso’s earlier testimony. Tumwebaze began by questioning the witness about her communication with the deceased. Although Nyangweso had claimed that she regularly spoke with her brother, a two-month-long call log provided in court showed only one conversation on October 27, 2023. In response, Nyangweso stated that she frequently communicated with the deceased through WhatsApp, using his MTN line. However, Tumwebaze contested this claim, pointing out that none of her three police statements mentioned the use of WhatsApp for communication with the deceased. “In your three police statements covering 60 days, you never revealed that you had any WhatsApp conversations between the two of you using that number,” Tumwebaze argued. He noted that Nyangweso had only listed an Airtel line as the deceased’s WhatsApp number, but failed to mention any secret communication lines in her police statements. “I put it to you that the reason you didn’t reveal these numbers to the police is because they don’t exist,” Tumwebaze asserted. The cross-examination then shifted to a phone call that Nyangweso had with the deceased on October 27, 2023, the day before the wedding of their niece, Patricia Kankwazi. Tumwebaze suggested that the sole purpose of this call was for the deceased to inform Nyangweso that she would not be fulfilling the traditional role of “ssenga” (paternal aunt) at the wedding. KINYANKORE CULTURE “You know the central role that the ssenga plays at a niece’s wedding in Kinyankore culture?” Tumwebaze asked.“My lord, I will not answer that one,” the witness responded.“You don’t have a choice. When you take an oath, you are the property of the court,” Tumwebaze replied, pressing the witness to answer. He further explained that the role of the paternal aunt in Kinyankore culture includes bringing a milk pot to the newlyweds the day after the wedding and formally handing over the bride to her new family. Tumwebazze argued that as the late Henry Katanga’s only surviving sister, this responsibility should have fallen to Nyangweso. The presiding judge sought clarification, asking, “Are you the only surviving sister?” “Yes, my lord, but they chose someone else. I could not force myself there,” Nyangweso replied. Tumwebaze asserted that the deceased, Katanga, had deliberately chosen their cousin, Lydia Kabirisi, over Nyangweso for a key traditional role at their niece’s wedding, because he did not trust her with family matters or secrets, as she had previously claimed. “You didn’t play this important role two years earlier at Martha’s wedding either,” Tumwebaze pointed out, suggesting a pattern of exclusion. The defense further argued that the only reason Katanga had called Nyangweso on October 27, 2023, was to inform her that she would not be participating in the traditional aunt’s role (Ssenga) at the wedding, rather than to discuss matters of his safety, as she had testified. “Your brother hadn’t called you for two months, and the reason he called on the 27th was to relieve you of your duties, not to discuss his estate,” Tumwebaze continued. However, Nyangweso maintained that it was Molly Katanga, the widow, who had chosen their cousin for the role, not Henry. Tumwebaze further argued that Nyangweso’s behaviour after her brother’s death, especially towards his widow and children, demonstrated why Katanga had not entrusted her with the role of Ssenga. Additionally, Tumwebaze disputed Nyangweso’s claim that her brother was having serious conflicts with his wife, pointing to phone records that indicated the couple communicated frequently—an average of three times a day—whereas Nyangweso had barely spoken to her brother, according to the same records. The defense also questioned why Nyangweso, despite being a village council chairperson for six years, had not reported her allegations that Molly Katanga was planning to kill her husband. “The reason you never reported these allegations is because Henry Katanga never mentioned anything about his wife wanting to kill him,” Tumwebaze said. He added that even if Katanga had made such claims, Nyangweso did not take them seriously, as evidenced by her lack of action. “If your brother tells you that his life is in danger, is it natural that you do absolutely nothing?” Tumwebaze asked. Nyangweso responded by insisting that she trusted and believed her brother and that they were in the process of hiring a lawyer. The cross-examination then turned to Nyangweso’s claims that Katanga had been tracked before his death. Tumwebaze questioned whether the witness had found any evidence supporting this claim. “I don’t know, my Lord, because I’m not investigating someone who is already dead,” Nyangweso replied. Tumwebaze asserted that there was no evidence to support her claim of tracking. Tumwebaze then challenged Nyangweso’s testimony regarding an alleged meeting with Katanga on October 30, 2023, during which she claimed her brother gave her a small safe containing important documents. The defense noted that neither the police nor the court had seen photographs or an inventory of the items in the safe, even though Nyangweso had disclosed these details to the police in her second statement, dated November 15, 2023. The defense further scrutinized Nyangweso’s claim that the deceased purchased a safe at Nasser (road in Kampala) and had an Uber driver deliver it to her home in Bugolobi. Tumwebaze questioned the plausibility of Nyangweso allowing a stranger, such as the Uber driver, to carry a safe containing valuable documents into her home. “You want to tell this court that you let a stranger Noame Nyangweso carry a safe with your brother’s important documents?” Tumwebaze asked. Nyangweso responded, “My maid was at home. The safe was received at the doorway, and I was watching from the car.” Additionally, Tumwebaze pointed out that phone records showed Katanga was not near Bugolobi on the day in question, further challenging Nyangweso’s account. “There was no conversation between you and Henry Katanga, and you never met at all. I put it to you that you are not being truthful about what really happened that day,” Tumwebaze said. The defense concluded by asserting that the documents Nyangweso claimed were given to her by Katanga had been retrieved from his office during a police search after his death on November 3, 2023. Tumwebaze highlighted similarities between the items listed on the police search certificate and those Nyangweso claimed to have received from her brother, including two land titles, a notebook, and bank documents. Nyangweso, however, denied these allegations. Tumwebaze then alleged that the documents Nyangweso claimed to have received from her brother were, in fact, retrieved from his office by police after his death on November 3, 2023. He pointed to similarities between the items listed in the police search certificate and those Nyangweso had testified about, including two land titles and a notebook. Nyangweso denied this, stating that the documents had indeed been given to her by her brother. One of the police officers who conducted the search at Katanga’s office had previously testified that he did not sign the search certificate because he had to leave for prayers being held in honor of the deceased. Tumwebaze seized upon this testimony, suggesting that while prayers were being conducted, Nyangweso was in her brother’s office searching for documents and money. The witness, clearly upset, responded, “My lord, I need to be respected. I am not a thief.” Prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya objected to Tumwebaze’s line of questioning, accusing him of insulting the witness. Nyangweso clarified that she had attended the prayers and even delivered a speech at her brother’s vigil. The cross-examination then touched on a separate burial ceremony held by Nyangweso at her mother’s home in Kashaari country, while her brother was laid to rest in Nyabushozi County. Tumwebaze questioned statements Nyangweso made at that ceremony, where she reportedly claimed that Katanga could not have shot himself because he was right-handed and had been shot from the left side. She also claimed to have seen two bullet wounds on his body—one on the head and one on the thigh—during a viewing at the mortuary. Tumwebaze asserted that these statements were fabricated to support the theory that Katanga had not committed suicide. “You came up with these lies to create false evidence against Molly Katanga,” Tumwebaze said. He then asked the witness, “If it can be shown that the bullet entered through the right side, would you still say suicide is not ruled out?” Muwaganya objected, arguing that the witness could not be asked hypothetical questions, as she was a witness of fact. Finally, Tumwebaze suggested that suicide should not be ruled out, pointing out that another of Nyangweso’s brothers, Ntomi, had also died by suicide. “There is a history of suicide in your family, and Henry’s death didn’t surprise you,” he said, further alleging that Nyangweso had confided in someone that her brother Henry was suicidal, similar to Ntomi. Visibly emotional, Nyangweso responded, “It’s not true, my lord. No one has ever killed themselves in our family.” WEDNESDAY During last Wednesday’s court, defense counsel Jet Tumwebaze introduced a contentious line of cross-examination, suggesting that witness Noame Nyangweso had attempted to coerce witness George Amanyire into changing his testimony about the events of November 2, 2023, when businessman Henry Katanga died. Tumwebaze alleged that Nyangweso, alongside senior counsel Mwesigwa Rukutana, Assistant Inspector of Police Wilber Tworekire, and lawyer Lesta Kaganzi, visited Amanyire at Kigo prison on February 6, 2024, to pressure him into falsely implicating Molly Katanga in her husband’s death. According to the defense, Amanyire had informed them that Nyangweso offered to help secure his release if he agreed to change his story. However, prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya quickly objected, accusing the defense of attempting to introduce irrelevant and prejudicial information. “Our brother is playing a very dangerous game. My lord, we don’t want to go there,” Muwaganya said, leading to a heated exchange between the prosecution and defense teams. Tumwebaze persisted, stating that the defense had obtained a court order from Kajjansi magistrate’s court, along with a letter from the commissioner general of Prisons, which documented Nyangweso and the others’ visit to Amanyire. He argued that the records showed the group entered Kigo prison at nearly the same time, suggesting they coordinated their visit. Despite these allegations, Nyangweso denied the claims, stating that she had gone to the prison to visit someone else, not Amanyire. Tumwebaze pressed further, accusing Nyangweso of offering Amanyire freedom if he changed his testimony to implicate Molly Katanga, but the witness continued to deny the accusations. According to the defense, Amanyire’s original account was that he heard Molly screaming on the night of November 2 and went to check on the situation. When he knocked on the master bedroom door, Henry responded and told him to go away, after which the beatings and screams continued. Amanyire allegedly then woke up another household member, Denise Nayebare, to call Katanga’s daughters. Shortly afterward, the daughters arrived and took their mother, Molly, who was reportedly naked and crawling, to the hospital. Tumwebaze claimed that Amanyire had consistently told this version of events, which included his belief that Henry Katanga had beaten his wife before taking his own life. However, according to the defense’s narrative, Nyangweso had allegedly pressured Amanyire to alter his story, threatening that he would “rot in jail” if he didn’t comply. The defense further alleged that, two days after Nyangweso’s visit, a group that included prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya and Assistant Commissioner of Police Lydia Watono visited Amanyire to take his revised statement. At this point, Muwaganya objected to the line of questioning, accusing the defense of engaging in “blackmail” and stating that it was inappropriate to cross-examine Nyangweso on documents or events she had no direct knowledge of. “He is asking the witness to read a document without establishing whether the witness authored the information from which she is being questioned,” Muwaganya said. He emphasized that the defense should present the actual authors of the prison documents to provide credible evidence, rather than relying on hearsay. Muwaganya concluded by stating that while they had not objected to documents where Nyangweso’s name appeared; it was inappropriate to cross-examine her on matters related to individuals or events she was not personally involved in. Tensions escalated as prosecution and defense teams clashed over the admissibility of certain documents. Prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya raised concerns regarding allegations that his name, along with others, had been “sneaked” into a visitors’ book at Kigo Prison, accusing the defense of using this tactic to blackmail the prosecution. He also expressed dismay at defense counsel Jet Tumwebaze for allegedly discussing the trial with the media, describing it as an act of sub judice. “This is a serious matter,” Muwaganya stated. “He [Tumwebaze] pays the media to feed his ego. My name has been included on some pages so that he can massage his ego. We know how this was drafted. If he intends to use that line, he should ask the real people, not the witness.” Muwaganya further noted that the witness, Noame Nyangweso, had not authored the documents being questioned, arguing that the defense was attempting to have the witness acknowledge information she had no involvement in. “They are asking the witness to read and acknowledge the document just to feed their egos,” he remarked. The presiding judge intervened to de-escalate the situation, urging both sides to maintain professionalism. “We should limit attacks, even if we are on opposite sides. We are all lawyers, and I don’t think anyone is trying to mislead the court. All these things will be looked into.” In response, defense lawyer Elison Karuhanga objected to the prosecution’s claims, stating that the witness was being legitimately cross examined on a document she had signed. He refuted the accusations of blackmail, suggesting that Muwaganya should address any concerns about the visitors’ book with the prison authorities. “If my learned friend has any objections about how his name came to be on a prison book, it’s an issue he should check with the prison authorities,” Karuhanga said. Tumwebaze, continuing his cross-examination, alleged that Nyangweso had coerced George Amanyire, a key witness, into testifying falsely against Molly Katanga. “Had he accepted your coercion, he would be a free man today,” Tumwebaze argued, suggesting that Amanyire’s current charges were a result of his refusal to comply. Tumwebaze also introduced photographs of Molly Katanga’s injuries, showing deep wounds and scars. He challenged the witness’s earlier testimony, asserting that only Henry Katanga could have inflicted such wounds and that the evidence indicated Henry himself may have pulled the trigger. Additionally, he accused the witness of mobilizing public sentiment against the accused by leading media campaigns and distributing T-shirts bearing accusations against Molly. “You printed T-shirts claiming A1 [Molly Katanga] is a murderer, distributed them to market vendors, and protested at court,” Tumwebaze said. Nyangweso denied the allegations. Tumwebaze then sought to admit into evidence an application letter, a court order, and documents from the Uganda Prisons Service showing records of visitors to Amanyire. The prosecution strongly objected, with Muwaganya questioning the legitimacy of the application letter, noting that it did not specify which advocate moved the magistrate’s court to grant the order. “We only see a law firm as the applicant, but there is no advocate named, and the court order does not indicate the judicial officer who made the ruling,” Muwaganya argued. Muwaganya also objected to the inclusion of the visitor records, pointing out that the witness had no prior knowledge of these documents and thus they could not be tendered as defense exhibits. In defense, Karuhanga argued that the court order from Kajjansi Magistrate’s court was signed and sealed, thereby meeting the necessary qualifications for authenticity. He maintained that the documents related directly to the witness’s visit to Amanyire and were admissible. The session was adjourned with the judge promising to deliver a ruling on the admissibility of the contested documents. The court session last Thursday commenced with the judge delivering his ruling on the defense’s submission of exhibits. Addressing the issue that the court order was not signed by a judicial officer, the judge clarified that it had indeed been signed by the Chief Magistrate of Kajjansi Chief Magistrate’s court. While the name was not included in the order, the judge ruled that this did not invalidate it. “The order was acted upon by the prison authorities, and this court cannot now declare it unfit for the purpose for which it was issued,” he said. Regarding the letters from the prison authorities referring to visits made to George Amanyire, the judge noted that the witness had admitted to signing the visitors’ book. He concluded that the records of these visits, having been provided by the prison authorities in response to a court order, were public documents under section 73 of the Evidence Act. “The signed documents can be admitted as they pertain to the visits to Amanyire and have been properly brought before this court as defense exhibits,” the judge stated. After the exhibits were accepted, the defense resumed cross-examining the witness, with counsel Macdosman Kabega leading. Kabega questioned the witness’s claim that the deceased, Henry Katanga, had discussed with her his intention to write a will. He referred to the police statement made by Katanga’s lawyer, Ronald Mugabe Luranga, on November 26, 2023, which stated that Katanga had already made a will in 2018. Kabega challenged the witness, suggesting that she was not as close to Katanga as she claimed. Kabega also pressed the witness about the alleged “dangerous gang” that Katanga had reportedly mentioned to her, questioning why she had never revealed their names. The witness responded that she could not name them in court, leading Kabega to retort, “We are talking about a group that allegedly wanted to kill your brother. Why do you want to protect them?” Turning to the documents the witness claimed Katanga had given her, Kabega suggested that they might include land titles belonging to Katanga and his wife, Molly. When asked to present the documents to the court, the witness stated, “I will have to consult my lawyer before I produce them.” Kabega then sought a court order for the witness to bring the documents, prompting an objection from prosecution lawyer Samali Wakooli, who argued that the trial was about murder, not the administration of Katanga’s estate. “The documents were given to her in trust, and they should only be brought to a court handling an administration cause of the estate,” Wakooli stated. Despite Wakooli’s objection, Kabega pressed on, suggesting that the documents, including a notebook, could contain information about individuals to whom Katanga had lent money. The witness responded that such matters would be settled “when the time comes.” Kabega further questioned the witness’s claim that Katanga believed his wife wanted to kill him, pointing out that the couple continued to buy joint properties. He suggested that Katanga and his wife were living harmoniously and that the assumption that Molly wanted to kill him was false. Kabega also implied that the witness was keeping the documents because she wanted to claim Katanga’s estate. “You want to grab their land, and that’s why you are scheming to keep A1 in prison as long as possible,” he said, though the witness denied these accusations. The defense concluded its cross-examination of the witness by attempting to tender photos of her taken during demonstrations demanding justice for her brother’s death. This move was strongly opposed by Wakooli, who argued that since the witness was not the source of the photos, they could not be admitted through her. “It’s not fair to tender them through her, my lord,” Wakooli stated. Despite the defense’s insistence that the witness had confirmed her presence in the photos, the judge ruled that the photos could not be admitted as defense exhibits. In the re-examination session, prosecution lawyer Samali Wakooli sought to clarify several points raised during the cross-examination. Wakooli began by asking the witness to explain her reference to different paternal figures during her testimony. The witness clarified that although she referred to Arthur Katanga as her father, he is in fact her paternal uncle. She explained that she considers him her father because he raised her after her biological father passed away when she was just three years old. Wakooli then addressed the defense’s claim that the witness harboured an interest in the deceased’s property. The witness firmly denied any such interest, stating that while the deceased had left her some belongings, none of them were of personal interest to her. The prosecution also sought to clarify discrepancies between the witness’s testimony and her three police statements. The witness explained that certain details were omitted in her police statements due to issues with translation. Wakooli next asked the witness to clarify the mention of “secret numbers” she had used to communicate with the deceased. When the witness read the numbers aloud, defense lawyer Peter Kabatsi objected, stating that these numbers had not been introduced during either her evidence-in-chief or the cross- examination. “The number was never said in her evidence-in-chief and not during cross-examination,” Kabatsi remarked. Despite Kabatsi’s objection, Wakooli insisted that the witness was simply clarifying an issue that had come up during the proceedings. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:58:44
What guilty plea means for NUP prisoners
On October 14, Olivia Lutaaya and 15 other National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters pleaded guilty to charges of treachery and illegal possession of explosive devices, marking a significant turn in a case that has drawn widespread attention. The group, long regarded as political prisoners by many due to their support for former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, had been arrested in 2020 and 2021. The group, consisting of individuals such as Ibrahim Wandera, Swaibu Katabi, and David Mafabi, was accused of possessing 13 explosive devices, a restricted item exclusively controlled by the defence forces. These devices were allegedly found in various locations across Uganda, including Jinja, Mbale, Kireka and Kampala Central, between November 2020 and May 2021. Initially, the group pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, after spending four years on remand, they changed their plea to guilty during a Court Martial appearance before Brig Freeman Mugabe. Despite their plea, the case remains politically charged, with many viewing their arrest as a consequence of their support for Bobi Wine, who has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government. The Ugandan state has repeatedly maintained that NUP supporters who were arrested during the elections and had no criminal involvement were released. Yet, the guilty plea from Lutaaya and her co-accused raises questions about the pressure faced by those who remained incarcerated. There are still more than nine NUP supporters who continue to plead not guilty and have refused to change their stance. The case underscores the complex political landscape in Uganda, where supporters of opposition parties, particularly NUP, have frequently found themselves entangled in legal battles. It also highlights the tension between the state’s claims of upholding law and order and accusations of politically motivated arrests and prosecutions aimed at stifling dissent. As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on how Uganda’s judicial system handles cases involving politically sensitive figures and issues, with many observers questioning the fairness and transparency of such trials. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL UNITY PLATFORM The recent guilty pleas by 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters charged with treachery and illegal possession of explosive devices have sparked widespread debate regarding the broader implications for the party and its leadership. Human rights lawyer George Musisi argues that the guilty pleas have no significant impact on the NUP or its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. Musisi claims that the pleas are a result of desperation rather than overwhelming evidence. “It is widely understood that these individuals are pleading guilty due to the difficult conditions they have faced, not because of solid proof against them. This is a political maneuver,” Musisi said. He referenced a public statement by Youth and Children Affairs minister Balaam Barugahara, who claimed he would facilitate the group’s release without having directly engaged with the accused. Musisi described the case as inherently political. He emphasized that under Ugandan law, once an individual pleads guilty, there is little room for overturning the conviction, even on appeal. “Legally, once convicted, you cannot change your plea. Even on appeal, the court can only reduce the sentence. You cannot reverse the conviction based on a plea of guilty,” Musisi explained. He added that, in addition to the legal ramifications, such as restrictions on travel and the inability to hold public office, the guilty pleas would have long-term consequences, particularly for younger individuals. Senior counsel and political analyst Peter Walubiri highlighted the broader concerns regarding Uganda’s democratic processes and the rule of law. He pointed out that the four-year delay in bringing evidence against the NUP supporters, only for them to plead guilty suddenly, raises questions about the integrity of the legal system. “In a democracy, this case should not be seen as an indictment on the political party but, rather, a reflection of the breakdown of the rule of law. The whole process reveals how Uganda’s legal system is on trial, and even our judiciary is facing scrutiny,” Walubiri said. Walubiri also criticized the use of the military court-martial to try civilians, noting that this issue is currently before the Supreme court. He further suggested that NUP should use this moment to expose the failures of justice in Uganda, positioning the case as a demonstration of the country’s shift toward dictatorship rather than democracy. “The NUP should frame this as evidence of a lack of democracy in Uganda, where political prisoners are held for years without trial, only to be coerced into guilty pleas to score political points against their party,” Walubiri added. He also argued that future governments should enact legislation to reverse the convictions of these individuals, compensate them for their wrongful imprisonment, and restore their rights. Makerere University lecturer Mwambutsya Ndebesa echoed similar sentiments, noting that the case has moved beyond the legal sphere into the political domain. He argued that the accused were political prisoners from the outset and that their situation must be resolved through political means rather than legal processes. “This is no longer a legal issue; it has always been a political matter. These individuals are political prisoners, and their release will require a political solution, not a legal one,” Ndebesa said. He urged the public to support the release of the NUP supporters, while also downplaying the idea that their guilty pleas would significantly impact the party. “NUP’s core leadership remains intact, and these individuals were not central to the party’s strategic direction. Even if they are recruited into the National Resistance Movement (NRM), I don’t believe it will make much difference,” Ndebesa concluded. The case continues to highlight the ongoing struggles surrounding Uganda’s political landscape, the role of the judiciary, and the fate of those caught in the crossfire of the country’s evolving political tensions. NUP SECRETARY GENERAL ALLEGES COERCION IN GUILTY PLEAS In a strongly worded statement, National Unity Platform (NUP) secretary general Lewis Rubongoya has accused the judicial system of being a tool of the military regime, claiming that party supporters were coerced into pleading guilty out of frustration and desperation. Rubongoya stated that each time party officials visited NUP supporters at Luzira prison, they were informed of the immense pressure they faced, with the alleged ultimatum being either to plead guilty or face indefinite detention. “Throughout their time in jail, our supporters were never given a proper trial. They have been labelled as criminals rather than political prisoners. Our consistent plea has been for the state to provide evidence so that the accused can defend themselves,” Rubongoya said. He further alleged that the NUP supporters’ abduction, incommunicado detention, and subsequent trial before the court-martial is widely known, with no one believing that the guilty pleas reflect actual guilt. “The regime offered some of our sup- porters, like the Kikankane group, a deal to work with them in exchange for freedom. This is no prosecution; it’s persecution. But by doing this, they believe they are weakening the party, when in fact, they are only strengthening our support,” Rubongoya said. DISPUTED CLAIMS OF NEGOTIATIONS Rubongoya also responded to recent claims made by former leader of the opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, regarding NUP’s alleged negotiations for the release of certain supporters. Mpuuga had claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that NUP negotiated for the release of Eddie Mutwe and others, despite refusing to negotiate for the broader release of the party’s imprisoned supporters. Rubongoya denied these claims, maintaining that the party has never negotiated for anyone’s release. “We have always been clear—we have not negotiated for the release of anyone, now or in the past. These are people who have committed no offense, and instead of releasing them, they continue to abduct more,” he stated. He added that the party remains committed to supporting its imprisoned members and their families, dismissing any notion that the party had abandoned its supporters. “These are our people, and nobody can detach us from them,” Rubongoya emphasized. GOVERNMENT’S POSITION State minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, responded to the guilty pleas by some NUP supporters, saying the admissions vindicated the government. He pointed to Olivia Lutaaya as one of the first to confess, suggesting that her admission exonerated the government from accusations of wrongful imprisonment. “Lutaaya was among the first to say, ‘I committed the crime.’ This has cleared the government of accusations that she was jailed for nothing,” Barugahara said. He further urged the court to give lenient sentences to those who pleaded guilty, emphasizing that they had not wasted court time. Barugahara also indicated that he would appeal to President Yoweri Museveni to consider pardoning those who have admitted guilt, stating that their reintegration into society would allow them to contribute to the country’s development. “I will not stop at that; I will appeal to the president, just as he has pardoned others in the past, to pardon these young people so they can be incorporated back into society,” Barugahara said. The guilty pleas and subsequent public debate highlight ongoing tensions between the NUP and the government, as well as concerns over the judicial process in politi- cally charged cases. {loadposition inarticle}
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@observer Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:35:18
Makerere Rotary Peace Centre now a benchmarking spot
The Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University has made tremendous achievements in design, programmes and standards that it has become a beacon being benchmarked by global institutions and individuals. This milestone was emphasized by Prof Bantebya Kyomuhendo and Dr Mike Sebalu, both members of the centre’s Advisory board. The duo spoke at the centre’s sixth capstone conference whereby 21 peace fellows presented their project designs, outcomes and plans for sustainability, and received certificates of completion at the School of Public Health auditorium, Makerere University on October 18, 2024. The ceremony also included welcoming members of the eighth cohort; the seventh cohort is in the field doing social change initiative projects. The graduating fellows came from Cameroon, 2; Egypt, 1; Ethiopia, 1; Kenya, 1; Lesotho, 1; Liberia, 2; Malawi, 1; Nigeria, 4; Rwanda, 1; Sierra Leone, 1; Uganda, 3; and Zimbabwe, 3. They go away with a one-year postgraduate diploma in Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation and Development, after spending two weeks on online course, 10 weeks of on-site studies at Makerere, and nine months of fieldwork in peace and social change research projects. Also in attendance were over 20 senior officers of Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service in the fourth intake of the master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies of Makerere University, offered at the Police Senior Command and Staff College Bwebajja. Kyomuhendo said since inception in 2020, the centre, which receives hundreds of applications every year, has admitted 151 fellows (including cohort 8) from 45 countries in the world. She said cohort 6 admitted fellows from strictly the African continent as an experiment. The centre has already admitted fellows for cohort 9 (2025) and cohort 10 (2026), 20 fellows apiece. Sebalu said because of the goodwork the peace centre has been doing, Rotary International presidents have been frequenting Uganda; the current president Stephanie Urchick will visit Uganda and lead a peace walk on January 11, 2025. She will also attend a peace concert and give a keynote speech at a peace symposium. The peace walk will flag off and end at Makerere University. Urchick will then continue to Turkey to open the eighth Rotary peace centre in the world; it was designed after the Makerere centre model. {loadposition inarticle}
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@kfm Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:26:15
One suspect exonerated, five others sent to trial in clan head murder
Mr. Luggya Bbosa Tabula, the man accused of orchestrating the murder of Ndiga Clan head Eng. Daniel Bbosa Lwomwa Kakeedo has been committed to the High Court for trial. Four other suspects, including Luggya John (alleged shooter), Harriet Nakiguli, Joseph Nakabale, and Ezra Mayanja, have also been sent to trial. Chief State Attorney Lillian Omara informed Mwanga 2 Court’s Principal Grade One Magistrate, Adams Byarugaba, that Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had instructed her to send the five accused to trial following the completion of the police investigation. However, the DPP dropped murder charges against Milly Naluwenda, Secretary to the Kisekwa Cultural Court of Buganda Kingdom. The decision may have been influenced by Luggya […] The post One suspect exonerated, five others sent to trial in clan head murder first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@sqoop Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:58:33
South Sudanese Artiste Chamdena Level gears up for new album with top Ugandan producers
Kampala-based South Sudanese artiste Chamdena Level is taking a bold step in his music career by working on a new album. Known for hits like Nyiir Gew, Mama Du, Black Queen, and Fananin, Chamdena aims to create a project worth watching. The upcoming album, still untitled, will feature both solo tracks and collaborations. According to […] The post South Sudanese Artiste Chamdena Level gears up for new album with top Ugandan producers first appeared on Sqoop - Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos.
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@kfm Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:54:25
Minister Balaam seeks presidential pardon for NUP supporters
The Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has appealed to President Museveni to exercise his prerogative of mercy and pardon 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were sentenced to three months and 22 days by the Court-Martial. Speaking to journalists at Parliament after their sentence, Balaam revealed that he sent a letter to the president requesting their pardon after they pleaded guilty to the charges against them. The 16 individuals were sentenced to a total of three years and eight months, taking into account the time they had already spent in remand and on trial. “I want to thank the Court-Martial for not giving the young people a bigger sentence, considering that they […] The post Minister Balaam seeks presidential pardon for NUP supporters first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@allafrica Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:15:12
Ssemakadde, Predecessor Oundo Clash On X Over Financial Accountability
[Nile Post] A leadership rift within the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has surfaced on social media, with newly elected President Isaac Ssemakadde criticising his predecessor, Bernard Oundo, over financial accountability concerns.
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@allafrica Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:15:18
Decentralised Heart Care - Ten Closed Heart Surgeries Completed
[Nile Post] The Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) has completed ten closed heart surgeries at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, focusing on repairing congenital heart defects and bringing renewed hope to vulnerable children and their families, many of whom had limited access to specialised medical care.
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@kfm Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:33
Kampala land boss granted bail
The Kampala District Land Board Chairperson, Mr. David Balondemu, has been granted bail by the Buganda Road Magistrates Court after being charged with forgery. He was ordered to pay a cash bail of Shs5 million and his sureties, including his wife, sister, and brother-in-law, were each ordered to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 20 million. Additionally, Balondemu must surrender his passport to the court and refrain from traveling outside the country without prior court approval. “I therefore find that the accused person possibly did not read the summons and therefore did not deliberately refuse to honor the said summons,” the trial magistrate, Ronald Kayizzi said on Thursday. Balondemu has been in custody at Luzira Prison since October 15, 2024. […] The post Kampala land boss granted bail first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:55:22
Uganda’s Electoral Commission elected to the Association of World Election Bodies board
The Electoral Commission of Uganda (EC) has been elected to the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), a forum that brings together election management bodies from across the world. The election took place during the 6th General Assembly of A-WEB in Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday. The EC was nominated to the […] The post Uganda’s Electoral Commission elected to the Association of World Election Bodies board first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:24:10
Uganda Breweries crowned overall winner of 2024 Corporate Governance Awards
Uganda Breweries wascrowned the Overall Winner of the 2024 Corporate Governance Awards and the winner in the Large Private Sector Entity category during an event that was held at Sheraton recently. The awards in their third edition were organised by the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda (ICGU). The Institute of Corporate Governance Awards 2024 […] The post Uganda Breweries crowned overall winner of 2024 Corporate Governance Awards first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:54:28
Magogo to receive Shs183 million as annual salary from CAF
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) congress has approved a proposal to award each association president an annual salary of $50,000 (approximately Shs183 million). In Uganda, this boost will go to Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president Moses Magogo. This initiative is part of CAF’s broader financial plan, with the funds coming from a […] The post Magogo to receive Shs183 million as annual salary from CAF first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:36:11
Uganda Joins BRICS As Partner Nation, Paving the Way for Increased Trade and Investment
[Nile Post] Uganda has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as one of 13 new partner nations in a move set to reshape its international trade and investment prospects.
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@kfm Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:28:47
China says foreign spies trying to steal space program secrets
BY REUTERS China’s state security ministry said foreign spy intelligence agencies have been trying to steal secrets from the country’s space programme as the arms race in space intensifies and emerges as a new “battlefield for military struggle”. Safeguarding space security had become a key strategy for China’s future survival and development, the ministry said in a post on its official Wechat account on Wednesday.”In recent years, some Western countries have formed space combat forces, exercised space action capabilities and even regarded (China) as a major competitor in the space field,” it said. Foreign spy intelligence agencies had also conducted remote sensing detection against China through high-precision satellites, intending to observe and steal secrets from China from space. It did […] The post China says foreign spies trying to steal space program secrets first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@matookerepublic Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:14:25
FULL LIST: Familiar faces in the race for KCCA Executive Director position
A shortlist of candidates for the highly coveted Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director (ED) position has surfaced on social media, sparking lively debates among Ugandans about who might be the best fit for the role. Among the familiar names are acting KCCA ED Frank Rusa Nyakaana, former Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga, and […] The post FULL LIST: Familiar faces in the race for KCCA Executive Director position first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@allafrica Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:45:29
Great Lakes Region MPs Unite to Address Conflicts and Promote Sustainable Development
[Nile Post] The Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region has convened in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together lawmakers from 12 member states to tackle pressing regional conflicts.
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@kfm Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:44:56
More money for FUFA, FA presidents as CAF remove age-limit
By Fred Mwambu Fufa and its president Eng Moses Magogo have received a financial boost after the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) announced an increase in its annual subvention to member associations. Caf revealed this during their 46th Ordinary General Assembly on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where a number of changes ranging from financial to political were passed. One of the notable changes is the increase in the annual subvention to the associations including Fufa from $250,000 (Shs916m) to $400,000 (Shs1.47b). The Caf president Patrice Motsepe said this is part of the confederation’s strategy to support football development. Read more The post More money for FUFA, FA presidents as CAF remove age-limit first appeared on 93.3 KFM.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:27:05
Lawyer Alex Luganda appointed to World Compliance and Mediation Commission of IFRC
Alex Luganda, a renowned lawyer and the Attorney General of Busoga Kingdom, has been appointed to the World Compliance and Mediation Commission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Luganda, who also serves as the head of the Busoga Kingdom Land Board and sits on the board of the Red […] The post Lawyer Alex Luganda appointed to World Compliance and Mediation Commission of IFRC first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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@matookerepublic Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:24:39
I&M Bank donates domestic items to Uganda School for the Deaf
I&M Bank Uganda’s Operations Department and Customer Experience Department on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, donated domestic items to the Uganda School for the Deaf in Ntinda, Kampala. The donations included 30 mattresses, 100 mosquito nets, as well as snacks and drinks. I&M Bank Head of Operations, Duncan George Karugaba, led the team that spent sometime […] The post I&M Bank donates domestic items to Uganda School for the Deaf first appeared on Matooke Republic.
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