15th September 2023.
MUKONO, Uganda – Dr. Matthew Kirabo, a fugitive murder convict who had been on the run since November 2021, has been remanded to Luzira Upper Prison today. This move follows his conviction for the murder of Desire Mirembe, his former girlfriend, by Justice Henry Kawesa Isabirye in May 2022.
Dr. Kirabo had initially faced trial for the murder in absentia and had managed to evade the authorities for some time before his arrest in Nairobi by Kenyan security operatives. His extradition back to Uganda was facilitated by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). Upon his return to Uganda, Dr. Kirabo was presented before Justice David Matovu who promptly remanded him to Luzira Upper Prison, as he awaits sentencing proceedings.
The tragic incident giving rise to his conviction dates back to July 11, 2015, when Desire Mirembe, a student at Makerere University at the time, lost her life. Evidence presented in court indicated that Kirabo had sedated and murdered her in Lugazi, Buikwe District, before disposing of her body in a sugarcane plantation.
Kirabo’s conundrum began on October 6, 2021, when he initially pleaded not guilty to the murder charge with the assistance of his lawyer, Ali Hassan Kato. At that time, he applied for bail, which was granted without any objection from the state attorney. However, on November 3, 2021, he absconded court, leading to an arrest warrant being issued against him.
During the investigation, Kirabo had initially confessed to the crime, leading police detectives to the scene of the murder. A video recording of his confession played a pivotal role in the court’s judgment. Justice Isabirye based much of his decision on this confession, emphasizing that the evidence provided was sufficient to establish Kirabo’s guilt in the murder of his then-girlfriend.
In May 2022, Judge Henry Kaweesa officially convicted Kirabo of Mirembe’s murder, noting that the sentence would be determined after his arrest. Court assessors had recommended his guilt earlier in March 2022, based on the extensive evidence presented.
Desire Mirembe’s family, who had long awaited justice, expressed their relief at the conviction. However, they also voiced their disappointment in the failure to apprehend Kirabo promptly after he absconded court proceedings.
Kirabo’s arrest in Kenya was the result of relentless international law enforcement cooperation. Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, commended Interpol Kenya for their role in capturing the fugitive. He highlighted the close collaboration between Uganda and Kenya in bringing individuals wanted for crimes to justice.
