According to Irene Nakimbugwe, the Deputy spokesperson of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, there was fresh evidence which needed to be put into consideration before the suspect is committed to the High Court. The file was sent to headquarters for consideration before committal, Nakimbugwe told URN.
A file on the murder of Former Buyende District Police Commander Muhammad Kirumira has been sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review.
The file which has been in the hands of the Wakiso Resident State Attorney Amelia Mukamushaba was returned to the DPP last week, for advice on how to proceed with the trial of Abubaker Kalungi, one of the suspects in the shooting that ended Kirumira's life.
According to Irene Nakimbugwe, the Deputy spokesperson of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, there was fresh evidence which needed to be put into consideration before the suspect is committed to the High Court. "The file was sent to headquarters for consideration before committal,” Nakimbugwe told URN.
Mukamushaba, on Monday, asked the court presided over by Wakiso Grade One Magistrate, Martin Kirya, for an adjournment to allow her to wait for a response from the DPP.
Kalungi, who is currently on remand in Kigo prison, is the only suspect, among the scores arrested in relation to the shooting who has been arraigned in court. Kalungi had so far appeared for the mention of the case four times when the state attorney sent the file.
Recently, Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Ismael Ssenono said that, one of the suspects that had been arrested in connection to the murder was released unconditionally. According to a report published by URN, Ssenono had earlier been detained at an unidentified detention facility manned by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence- CMI.
Meanwhile, while appearing before the court, Kalungi protested being shackled on the hands and legs while in prison and whenever he is brought in court. Kalungi appealed to the magistrate to order the prison waders to free him of the shackles since he was feeling pain.
//Cue in; "Owekitibwa omulamuzi...
Cue out…nga abasibe abalala."//
The magistrate said that the matter would be discussed with security authorities before a decision is taken. The law requires that suspects should not appear before court handcuffed since they are considered to be innocent until proven guilty.
However, for so long president Museveni was wondering why suspects answering to grave crimes of murder, terrorism, and aggravated rape appear before courts without handcuffs. The escape of two Masaka attacks suspects from Masaka Chief Magistrates' court triggered the debate.
Prison authorities who conceded that the consideration to handcuff Suspects violates laws of administration of justice and other international standards noted they could no longer afford seeing more dangerous suspects fleeing from courtrooms thus asking the judiciary to allow them present suspects on grave cases with handcuffs.
While moving out the court, Kalungi cried out for help from human rights activists citing torture and ill treatment. Kalungi is expected to return to court for further mention on December 12.
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