Kagadi driver who killed protestor pleads not guilty, remanded

The Kagadi Grade One Magistrate’s Court has remanded Stephen Tibihikiira, a government driver, who knocked dead a protestor in Muhooro Town Council during last protest over the poor state of Muhooro Ndaiga road.

In a court session that was presided over by the Grade One Magistrate Edward Kayukyi, prosecution alleged that on February 26 at around 9:30am, Tibikiira caused the death of 28-year-old Tuhaise Magezi in Igurika Village along Muhooro-Bwikara Road , while driving motor vehicle registration number UG 6998M in a manner which was dangerous to the public.

The late Tuhaise was among the people who were demonstrating over the poor state of the 31kilometres Muhooro-Ndaiga Road that locals claim the government has not considered it for a long time yet it's crucial.

According to the Magistrate, Tibikihikiira, who is a driver attached to Kagadi District Local Government, caused death through reckless driving which is contrary to section 108 subsection one of the traffic and road safety act as amended 2020.

"As a government driver, we expect you to have good morals on the road, when we watched that video it was scaring, on an open road why speed like that, so this no doubt is reckless driving," Kayukyi said.

However, when the court asked to take a plea, Tibihikiira, 38, pleaded not guilty.

The Senior State Prosecutor Kagadi Bushira Nakanyike has revealed that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

"Your worship, we ask for more time as our team is still gathering all evidence against the suspect," Bushira said

Through his lawyers of Adonia Tiberondwa Ssetimba and Co. Advocates, Tibihikira asked for bail which the court denied that it would interfere with the ongoing investigations.

"Unfortunately, I cant grant your client bail given the nature of crime committed but also state has told you there are investigations still on going," the magistrate said.

He remanded Tibihikira to Mambugu Kagadi Prison until March 26.

After court, Counsel Tiberondwa admitted that the decision taken by the magistrate was not in bad faith even when it did not favor their client.