Slain Muslim clerics trial to be heard in camera

The International Crimes Division Court has barred the media and members of the public from attending proceedings in the case where 14 people are accused of plotting the murder of Muslim clerics across the country.

This after lead judge Ezekiel Muhanguzi granted prosecution’s request to have its four next witnesses testify in camera as a measure to protect them.

On Monday this week, principal state attorney Lino Anguzu informed court that the four witnesses refused to give testimony in open for fear of their lives due to numerous threats directed to them .

It’s against this background that Justice Muhanguzi ordered the press and the general public who follow the proceedings through a visual-audio link in the courtroom next door to keep away from court starting tomorrow until the four witnesses conclude their testimonies.

The court also ordered that the four mentioned witnesses will be referred to by other alphabetical names other than their actual names.

Their testimony will now bring the number of prosecution witnesses who have testified in this case to 31.

Prosecution states that the 14 accused, who include the leader of the Tabliq section in the country Shiekh Yunus Kamoga and his brother Shiekh Multa  Bukenya unlawfully and with malice gunned down fellow
Shiekhs Mustafa Bahiga and Hassan Ibrahim Kirya between 2014 and 2015 respectively.

They also face charges of terrorism and attempted murder of Shiekh Haruna Jjemba.

Sheikh Major Kiggundu’s alleged killers sent back on remand

Buganda Road court chief magistrate Jamson Karemani has sent back on remand  in  Luzira Prison  four Muslim suspects alleged to have murdered Maj. Muhammad Kiggundu and his body guard Sgt. Steven Mukasa in November last year.

State prosecutor Emilly Ninsiima informed court  that police is still investigating the matter.

The  suspects including the acting Amir of Nakasero Mosque Sheikh Yahaya Ramathan Mwanjje,  two boda-boda riders  from Kyengera Nsangi  stage Muhammad Buyondo and Abdul -Wahab Ssendegeya and a businessman Muhammad Ssekandi had re-appeared before court for the mention of their case.

The case has now been adjourned to February 23.

Prosecution states that the four and others still at large on the morning of  November 26, 2016 at Masanafu trading center in Lubaga division in Kampala district, with malice, shot dead Maj. Muhammad Kiggundu and Sgt.Mukasa who were driving a UPDF vehicle heading for a talk show at a local radio station.

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editor@independent.co.ug