The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Thirteen people arrested in connection to the murder of former Assistant Inspector of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi, his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Godfrey Wambewo have been produced before Nakawa Magistrate court amidst tight security. They were further remanded to Luzira prison until May 18 as inquiries into their case continues.
The suspects pleaded to court about torture in detention, no medication or food in their detention. They were in tears, limping, some without shirts and bruised which led to their relatives who were in court bursting into tears.
They asked presiding Grade 1 Magistrate Noah Ssajabi that they be removed from Nalufenya Police Cells and be transferred to Luzira prison, which prayer the magistrate granted, adding that he had no jurisdiction to address their plight. They face charges of aggravated robbery, murder and terrorism.
It is alleged that on March 17 this year with malice they caused the death of AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, his body guard Erau and driver Wambewo , about 100 meters from his home in Kulambiro, Nakawa Division in Kampala.
Limping – some showing clear signs of injuries – men arrested for the murder of #Uganda police spokesman #Kaweesi‘s murder brought to court pic.twitter.com/cZxfDCjMQc
— Michael O’Hagan (@micoh) May 5, 2017
Names of those charged
Uganda Police a fortnight back released the names of the 13 people that they first arraigned in court Friday April 21, 2017 over the murder of AIGP Kaweesi.
The accused are Abdu Rashid Mbazira, Buyondo Mohammed, Higenyi Aramazan Noor Din, Mugerwa Yusuf aka Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa, Maganda Umar Aramathan, Ahamada Senfuka Shaban, Hassan Tumusiime, Ibrahim Kiisa, Osman Mohammed Omarete, Magambo Hamidu, Abdu Majid Ojerere, Kyambadde Joshua Magezi and Musa Ntende Abubaker.
“Following the murder of AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, Cpl Erau Kenneth and C/Drv Mambewa at Kulambiro, Nakawa Division, Kampala District, on the 17th March, 2017, the police have today, Friday, April 21, 2017, arraigned a total of 13 ( Thirteen) suspects before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court where they were charged with; Terrorism C/S 7 (1) (a) and 2 (b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002; Murder C/S 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act; and Aggravated Robbery C/S 285 and 286 of the Penal Code Act.”
The statement signed by police spokesman Asan Kasingye at that time had added that, “The accused persons have been further remanded into police custody at the Special Investigations Divison, Kireka, till May 5, 2017, when they will reappear for further mention. Inquiries are meanwhile ongoing with a view of arresting other suspects still at large.”
Prosecution’s Anne Ntimba informed court then that investigations into the matter are still going on.
The accused persons were not allowed to plead to the charges only tried by the high court, and were been remanded.
REPORTS JUST IN indicate that AIGP Felix Kaweesi’s police convoy has been shot at this morning as he left his… https://t.co/FL9cUefamT
— The Independent (@UGIndependent) March 17, 2017
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Kayihura injunction
Kampala High Court’s Assistant Registrar Joy Kabagye Bahinguza earlier issued an injunction temporarily stopping the media from publishing stories regarding the investigations into the murder of AIGP Kaweesi.
This follows a case filed by Uganda’s Inspector General of Police Gen.Edward Kale Kayihura through the Attorney General, against Red Pepper, The Investigator and Chimp Reports.
Kayihura accuses the defendants of publishing confidential information relating to the said investigation of the late senior police officer, and the security of Uganda without permission from Police.
Kayihura contends that the publications are injurious to their investigation, national security and prejudicial to the workings of the security agencies of Uganda, to which he wants the media permanently restrained.
The injunction will be in force until August 21, 2017 when the main suit will be heard before Justice Stephen Musota.
Kaweesi who was the director of human resource development and training in Uganda police was shot dead on March 17 2017, by unknown assailants about 100 metres from his home in Kulambiro, Nakawa Division in Kampala.
He was killed along with his body guard, Erau and driver Wambewo.
Kaweesi’s killing resembles the assassinations of other high profile legal and military personnel.
In March 2015 Joan Kagezi, a senior public prosecutor, was shot in the street and the assailant escaped with an accomplice on a motorcycle.
In November last year Ugandan army officer, major Sulaiman Kiggundu — a former Allied Democratic Forces rebel — was shot in his car by gunmen travelling on two motorcycles. Both crimes remain unsolved.
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editor@independent.co.ug
