Man remanded over alleged murder of Catholic priest

Mpigi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Magistrate court in Mpigi has remanded a 36 year old man for the alleged murder of a Catholic priest in Gomba district.

Vincent Katumba was on Wednesday remanded by Grade One Magistrate Maureen Mukoya. Dressed in a black jacket and a pair of blue jeans, Katumba was led by armed policemen to the court holding cells for an hour before he was presented to the magistrate. He appeared calm and composed.

Mukoya did not allow him to enter any plea. She instead remanded Katumba to Kitalya prison saying the court does not have the jurisdiction to hear his defence because the case against him is of capital nature.

The magistrate remanded Katumba until later in September when he will reappear in court.

It is alleged that Katumba killed Rev. Fr Josephat Kasambula, a priest of Lwamata Parish in Kiboga district on August 18 at Kikunyu village in Kyegonza sub county, Gomba district.

Katumba stabbed Fr Kasambula as he attempted to evict him from his house and land at Kikunyu village. Fr Kasambula was buried on August 19 at the Church Cemetery at Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.

Last week, Charles Twine, the spokesperson of the Criminal Investigations Directorate said that the police were also investigating allegations of another murder case against Katumba.

*****

URN