The trial of suspects accused of killing Brenda Nantongo Katumba, daughter of Gen Katumba Wamala, and his police bodyguard has stalled due to a funding crisis affecting court operations.
Judiciary spokesperson James Mawanda confirmed that several criminal sessions, including ongoing murder trials, have been suspended after funds meant to facilitate court activities were not released as expected.
Mawanda said the Judiciary’s budget had been reduced by the Ministry of Finance, a move that has affected critical functions such as the hearing of serious criminal cases across the country.
He noted that the case concerning the killing of Nantongo and Sgt. Haruna Kayondo is among several high-profile matters temporarily halted until the funding situation is resolved.
Court officials indicated that hearings will resume once the necessary funds are released, and fresh dates will be communicated to all parties involved.
The last court session in the matter was held at the High Court, where the prosecution updated the court on the progress of investigations and the readiness of witnesses expected to testify.
The case was adjourned to allow further preparations, including organizing witnesses and legal submissions from both the prosecution and the defense.
Brenda Nantongo Katumba and Sgt. Kayondo were killed on June 1, 2021, in a targeted gun attack in Kisasi, a suburb of Kampala.
Armed assailants riding on motorcycles opened fire on Gen Katumba Wamala’s vehicle as he traveled with his daughter and bodyguard.
Nantongo and Kayondo died at the scene, while Gen Katumba survived with gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The suspension of proceedings highlights growing concerns over the impact of budget constraints on the administration of justice, particularly in complex and high-profile criminal cases.