Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
Kampala, Uganda – The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Uganda is poised to reach a decision regarding the confirmation of charges against the individuals linked to the murder of Major Muhammad Kiggundu. On November 26, 2016, Major Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sgt Stephen Mukasa were tragically killed at Masanafu trading centre in Kampala. The accused individuals facing charges in connection with these murders are Sheikh Yahaya Ramathan Mwanje, Muhammad Buyondo, Musa Ssekandi, Abdul Wahab Ssendegeya, Jibril Kalyango, Bruhan Balyejusa, Noordin Lutaaya, and Yusuf Nyanzi.
Scheduled for September 1, Judge Richard Wejuli Wabwire is set to announce the verdict that will determine whether the charges against the accused will be confirmed. Should the presented evidence meet the requisite threshold of sufficiency, the case will proceed to a panel of three judges for trial. Conversely, if the evidence falls short, the accused individuals will be released.
The accused are confronted with charges of both terrorism and alleged support for the terrorist entity known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The prosecution contends that, on the day of the incident, the suspects, including Sheikh Mwanje, were directly involved in the tragic killing of Major Kiggundu and his bodyguard. A central aspect of the case revolves around an intricate analysis of communication records that highlight links between the accused before and after the crime.
Significantly, a subset of the accused, namely Ssendegeya, Ssekandi, and Buyondo, has been linked to the Kampala 17 group known for its history of terrorizing the city and its surroundings. Additionally, the indictment underscores intercepted communications wherein a prominent Muslim cleric implores Mwanje to spare Major Kiggundu’s life.
The impending verdict is awaited with anticipation, as it will determine the trajectory of the case and whether the accused will face trial for their alleged involvement in the major crime.
