Family Protests Release of Key Murder Suspect

The family of late Jessica Mutesi are protesting the release of a key suspect implicated in the murder.

Amina, the former Jinja city education officer, was arrested after suspects confessed to having killed Jessica under her instruction.  The first suspect who was arrested from Buvuma district confessed to killing Jessica under the instruction of Amina.

He alleged that, while working as a casual labourer in Buwampa village, in Nyenga division, in Njeru municipality, Amina instructed him to help her get a woman to be sacrificed for Three Million Shillings. 

The suspect, who had previously worked as a casual labourer alongside Jessica, convinced her to take up the same role at Amina's country home, where she could be paid 300,000 Shillings per month.  He alleged that on realising that, Jessica was convinced to take up this role, Amina sent her transport fees, and she was instructed to report for work immediately. 

He alleged that, on arrival at Amina's country home, she was fed on a concocted drink, which enabled him to easily lock her up in one of the boys' quarters. The suspect alleged that Amina instructed them to strangle her and leak an unspecified amount of blood, which she went away with. 

Amina instructed him to bury Jessica in a squatting position while facing the roadside, and she allegedly paid him a deposit of 500,000 Shillings.

This suspect's confession led to Amina's arrest from her other home in Mpumudde cell, in the southern division, Jinja city. Amina was detained for five days at Nalufenya police station, and later led police to where Jessica had been buried.

Now, the twist of releasing Amina before registering any court appearance has created anxiety amongst family members, expressing betrayal over this new development. 

The deceased's eldest son, Grace Kibili, says that Amina's release is suspicious. 

Kibili says that he made it a point to follow up on the progress of the case, and he was informed how the suspects would be produced to court on 10th June, but they never turned up.   He says that they are now planning to petition the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and CID. 

The Ssezibwa regional police spokesperson, Hellen Butoto, told journalists yesterday that investigations were completed and Amina will appear in court on Friday. 

However, the Regional CID Officer, Arthur Twinamatsiko, said that the office of the DPP did not find any incriminating evidence against Amina and ordered her immediate release.