The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The prosecution side in the case where the state accuses Corporal David Ssali of shooting dead a handcuffed Ronald Ssebulime in March 2019, has failed to produce three more witnesses as it had earlier notified court.
The case has been up for hearing and further cross examination of witnesses were expected to be produced to court by the state. However, the head of prosecution Aisha Naluze who is also the Mukono Regional State Attorney has told court that they lost contact with the witnesses.
“My Lord, summons were sent to all witnesses, we tried getting in touch with all of them for purposes of attending today’s session, unfortunately their contacts have remained off,” Naluze told court before pleading for extra time to get in contact with the witnesses again.
Since the defense side headed by Richard Kumbuga has raised no objection, the High Court Judge Henry Kaweesa who is presiding over the case has accepted to adjourn the hearing to October 18th.
Justice Kaweesa has however warned to issue arrest warrants for the said witnesses for production before court in case they fail to show up.
He has also set October 19th for further cross examination of Idah Nantaba, the Kayunga Woman Member of Parliament whose examination was cancelled half way yesterday (Monday) after she raised a concern of police tampering with evidence.
Nantaba declined to confirm whether the motorcycle presented as exhibit is the exact bike that was used by the late Ssebulime to trail her. She noted that it was repaired and currently appearing in new shape, its back light seems to have been replaced with a new one and the number plate that had been tied with a rope, had probably been removed in the process of making repairs. A handle used to carry bags is also tied on the presented bike.
Today, the prosecution has sought more time since the raised concern was still under consultation with the DPP before proceeding with Nantaba’s cross examination.
Corporal David Ssali attached to Kasangati Police Station was charged and remanded to Luzira prison after the crime and ballistic report confirmed that the killer gun actually was assigned to him.
His lawyer, Kumbuga says it’s unfortunate that a case can come to court when investigations are not over.
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