Sandra Ainebyona.
The trial of the suspects in the attempted murder case of Hon. Edward Katumba Wamala at the International Crimes Division (ICD) has taken a new twist with one of the accused persons demanding change of his legal team. The court had convened today 17th July for a mention of the case to determine a suitable date for a ruling on confirmation of charges.
However, one of the accused individuals, Yusuf Nyanzi expressed his desire to change his current lawyer, Geoffrey Turyamusiima, and instead sought to engage a pro bono lawyer. Responding to this request, the court advised Nyanzi to hold a meeting with his current lawyer, Turyamusiima, to review the submissions regarding the confirmation of charges that had previously been presented to the court. The objective was to enable Nyanzi to assess whether he was satisfied with Turyamusiima’s representation.
Presiding over the hearing, His Lordship Wejuri acknowledged Nyanzi’s request but insisted that the suspect should first hold a meeting with his lawyer before demanding for fresh legal representation. The case was subsequently adjourned to Thursday July 20th, 2023 for mention.
Brief Background:
The case under scrutiny revolves around the heinous crime of attempted murder against Works and Transport Minister General Edward Katumba Wamala, along with the tragic murder of his daughter, Brenda Nantongo Wamala, and his driver, Haruna Kayondo. These distressing incidents occurred on June 1, 2021.
According to the prosecution’s allegations, Yusuf Nyanzi, in collaboration with unidentified accomplices who are currently at large, engaged in a series of indiscriminate murders and attempted murders between March and June 2021. The motives driving these acts of violence are suspected to be political, religious, social, or economic in nature.
