6 Suspects to Stand Trial in Attempted Murder of Ugandan Minister

The International Crimes Division of the High Court has confirmed 6 out of 8 suspects linked to the attempted murder of the Minister of Works Gen Katumba Wamala and the Murder of his daughter Brenda for trial and acquitted 2 suspects.

The two suspects acquitted are Sserubula Hussein Ismael and Nyanzi Ismail Siraji.

While the suspects confirmed with charges include Kagugube Muhammad alias Musiraamu, Walusimbi Kamanda alias Mudinka, Kisambira Silman Alias Mukwasi alias Kojja, Abdulaziz Ramathan Dunku, Habib Ramathan, Waampa Muzaifa alias Kanaabe.

In her ruling the presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Kaukha, the six suspects will be charged with terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, terrorism financing and abetting terrorism

"The indictment reflects two counts of murder and attempted murder contrary to sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act. there are also other 12 counts of four counts of aggravated robbery, aiding robbery contrary to Sections 285 and 286 of the Penal Code act, one count of Terrorism financing and belonging to a terrorism group contrally to section 9(a) of the Anti-terrorism Act," read the ruling.

Prosecution led by Senior State Attorney Jacquelyn Okui calls this a tremendous state as they wait for more ingredients to pin the suspects in further hearings.

"Since the court has approved that the evidence is not sufficient for the two accused persons, we are going to proceed with the six accused persons for trial,' said ODPP spokesperson, Ms Jacquelyn Okui.

According to the defence legal team led by Geoffrey Turyamusiima, they are set to work hard to challenge such a capital allegation now that two have already been acquitted.

"Now that two are going home, we are still firm that there is no evidence enough to pin the remaining six and we hope they will also be acquitted," said Turyamusiima.

According to Court, the six suspects will be charged with terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, terrorism financing and aiding terrorism.