KAMPALA – Justice Lydia Mugambe has asked both the State and lawyers of the 8 suspects who are facing charges of murder of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi to verify their IDs and residences while on bail as a fulfilment of their bail terms.
The group had appeared in court Friday, March 22 for the judge to sign their release documents, however, prosecution led by Mr. Lino Aguzu, said they had not yet concluded with the process of verifying the suspects’ IDs and residences as per the court order before releasing them.
“Given the nature of these cases, we cannot just let them go without knowing where to find them when they jump bail. All what court wants is the verification of the IDs and their residences while on bail,” Justice Mugambe ruled.
On Wednesday, March 20, Justice Mugambe released the group on bail pending the hearing of their case after presenting at least three substantial sureties, which qualifies them for release pending the hearing of their case.
As part of the terms and conditions of their release, the judge ordered each of the accused to pay a non-cash bond of UGX150m. Similarly, each of their sureties was bonded at non-cash of UGX250m.
They were ordered to report to the court registrar every 19th day of the month until their trial is concluded. They should also present their IDs to court, and must not travel out of the country.
The eight suspects are: Abdurashid Mbaziira, Noordin Higenyi alias taata Abdallazak, Yusuf Mugerwa alias Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa alias Jimmy Masiga Ogutu, Joshua Magezi Kyambadde alias Abdu Rahman, Jibril Kalyango alias Abu Aisha, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi alias Jimmy Ssentamu and Shafik Kasujja.
Prosecution alleges that the group between January and March 2017 in diverse districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, and Tororo; and others still at large for purposes of influencing government, involved themselves in complicity of murder of Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
It is further stated that the accused rendered support to Balyejusa and Ogutu who are alleged known members of the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group in executing terrorist acts.
The group will return to court on April 11.
