MUKONO ACID ATTACK: Suspect re-arrested, remanded

Mukono, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Prosy Awusi, a suspect previously released by the court, has been re-arrested and remanded to Nakifuma Prison. Awusi, a resident of Kateete village in Kasawo Town Council, Nakifuma-Mukono District, is accused of viciously attacking her co-wife, Sylvia Achola, and Achola’s twelve-year-old daughter with acid. The incident left Achola, who was four months pregnant, in severe pain and shocked the community.

The case sparked widespread outrage, particularly after the Nakifuma Court, presided over by Grade I Magistrate Peter Bukina, granted bail to Awusi, the primary suspect. Concerned residents, upon inquiring about Awusi’s whereabouts, were informed that she had been remanded to either Nakifuma or Kauga Prison in Mukono and advised to return to court on August 26 for her next appearance.

However, to the community’s surprise, Awusi was seen back in the community just three days later. Residents later learned that Awusi had been charged with grievous harm against the two victims. Despite the severity of the charges, Awusi denied the allegations and was granted bail of UGX 1 million. Since the victims, who were hospitalized, could not attend court, and the concerned residents were denied critical information, the State Attorney did not object to the bail.

The rapid downgrading of the charges from attempted murder to grievous harm and the swift granting of bail left several residents in shock. In response to public pressure, the Regional State Attorney summoned the case file for review and further scrutiny.

During the scheduled second court appearance, Magistrate Peter Bukina noted that the file had not yet been returned. He then ordered the re-arrest of Awusi and her remand to Nakifuma Prison for safe custody until the file’s review was concluded. Bukina also cautioned residents following the case against running to the media to report every step they do not understand.

The victims are still admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Achola is suffering from severe burns on her stomach, hand, and thighs, while her daughter, who cannot speak, has extensive burns on her back, head, face, and limbs. The young girl is being fed through tubes and is struggling with other health complications.

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