International Crimes Division, Kampala
The defense lawyer representing Yusuf Nyanzi, the primary suspect in the murder case involving the daughter and driver of Works and Transport Minister, General Edward Katumba Wamala, decided to withdraw from the highly publicized trial. This surprising development, revealed in the international crimes division of the High Court, injected an air of uncertainty into the proceedings,
During a court session presided over by Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, legal counsel Geoffrey Turyamusiima announced his decision to cease representing Nyanzi, citing irreconcilable differences that strained their professional relationship. Nyanzi himself confirmed in court that he had never authorized Turyamusiima to act on his behalf, expressing discomfort with his legal representation. Consequently, Sylvia Namawejje was appointed by the court to represent Nyanzi, assuming the role of defense counsel as required in cases involving capital offenses.
The trial involves Nyanzi and seven other co-accused facing a range of charges, including terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, and attempted murder. Previous proceedings encountered a setback due to the unavailability of requested interpreters, which hindered the reading of charges. The withdrawal of Nyanzi’s defense lawyer raises critical legal concerns whether he received adequate legal representation in the previous proceedings. The court’s decision to appoint a new lawyer to represent Nyanzi on behalf of the state not only aims to ensure a fair trial for all accused persons.
