Sandra Ainebyoona.
The High Court in Kampala has in the recent past witnessed a significant development in the murder trial of senior accountant Francis Onebe and his security guard Bonny Oriekot. The trial, which revolves around the alleged murder of Onebe’s wife, Immaculate Onebe Mary Aiso, and the disposal of her body in a septic tank at their residence in Muyenga, Makindye division, has been closely followed by the public. However, due to the absence of the presiding Judge Micheal Elubu and the failure of the accused to appear, the court adjourned the proceedings to August 1, 2023.
The trial, which commenced in recent days, witnessed the prosecution presenting key witnesses who shed light on the case. Notable among them was a DNA analyst, who testified about the examination conducted on the body retrieved from the septic tank, conclusively identifying it as that of Immaculate Onebe.
Furthermore, Immaculate’s daughter provided crucial insights into the family’s dynamics and her relationship with the accused individuals. Her testimony added depth to the understanding of the couple’s interactions and possible motives behind the alleged crime.
The trial also saw the secretary of the village where Francis Onebe resides taking the stand. The secretary’s account offered valuable information about the couple’s interactions with the community, potentially providing context to their relationship.
A significant piece of evidence presented during the trial was the analysis of video footage from the day Immaculate Onebe went missing. The video analyst’s testimony raised pertinent questions about the actions of Francis Onebe and Bonny Oriekot, possibly aiding in constructing the timeline of events leading to the incident.
Additionally, the case investigating officer unveiled crucial findings from Immaculate Onebe Mary Aiso’s diary, revealing hints of disagreements within the couple. The diary notes provided potential insights into the dynamics of the relationship and potential motives behind the alleged crime.
The continuation of the trial faced an unexpected delay as Judge Micheal Elubu was absent during the scheduled court session. This unforeseen circumstance disrupted the planned cross-examination of the investigating officer by the defense, leading to the court rescheduling the trial to August 1, 2023. Furthermore, both accused individuals, Francis Onebe and Bonny Oriekot, failed to attend the court session, adding to the complexities of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The trial of Francis Onebe and Bonny Oriekot has captured the intense interest of the Kampala community, given the grave nature of the alleged crime and the shocking manner in which the body was discovered. As the trial progresses, the court remains committed to ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the evidence at hand. The upcoming continuation of the trial on August 1, 2023, is eagerly awaited by the public and legal experts alike.
