Nine linked to ADF, committed to High Court for trial over terrorism

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has committed nine suspects to the High Court to face trial on terrorism charges. The suspects are Moses Katende, Abdul Latif, Adam Goloba, Pyzo Musana, Aida Nakamatte, Rahma Namuganza, Rahuma Namara, Hafuswa Namwase, and one  Kabwiso.

They reportedly attacked the Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija, Busiika Police Station,  Bukwo Chief Administrative Officer Charles Ogwang, and several Supermarkets including Flower Shoppers in Kabuusu and Harriet General  Store before robbing guns from security guards.

The suspects on Wednesday appeared before the Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi for an update on the progress of investigations into the case against them.

The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and 2023 in diverse places in Central and Eastern Uganda, the suspects attacked several government facilities, fuel stations, security guards, and police officers, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property.

The accused persons are charged with terrorism, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and belonging to ADF, a terrorist group.

Ivan Kyazze, the State Attorney from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that investigations into the charges against the suspects are complete and that there is sufficient evidence to pin the accused persons in the High Court when the trial commences.

According to Kyazze, the DPP will further bring evidence to prove that all the accused persons are members of ADF and that women facilitated the recruitment.

The evidence also shows that Moses Katende and others on April  23rd, 2022 at Kalandazi village Buwama in Mpigi district along the Kampala-Masaka Highway attacked the motorcade of Principal Judge  Dr. Zeija with an improvised Explosive Device damaging one of his vehicles.

It is also alleged that on 8th July 2022 at Kungu village, Matugga in Wakiso district along Gulu Highway, they attacked Ogwanga, whom they shot multiple times and robbed his gun. He was rushed to Bombo Military Hospital where he later died.

The prosecution states that others still at large, on the 31st October 2022 attacked Busiika police station and gunned down three police officers;  They are AIP Alex Wagaruka, police constables  Moses Ongol and Steven  Odama.

The DPP further states that during the trial, she will also bring the evidence from the CCTV camera which enabled the eyewitnesses to clearly identify Katende, Weduma, and Musana while attacking the police station.

According to the prosecution, the suspects have no valid defense to the crimes whatsoever and will ask the court to convict them accordingly.

After reading the summary of the case for the accused persons, the State Attorney asked the court to commit them to the High Court for trial.

It is not clear when his trial will start since the suspects have been sent back on remand in different prisons until the High Court is ready to hear the case against them.

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