Kerry Howard Mwesigwa.
The trial of Dr. Francis Onebe, a senior accountant, and his home security guard, Bonny Oriekot, is set to commence tomorrow 13th June at the High Court in Kampla. The charges stem from the alleged killing of Dr. Onebe’s wife, Asio Mary Immaculate Onebe, whose decomposed body was tragically discovered in a septic tank at their marital residence in Muyenge, Kampala.
High Court Judge Michael Elubu will preside over the trial, which begins on June 13, 2023. Dr. Onebe, 63, and Oriekot, 26, have been on remand, accused of conspiring to commit the murder. The prosecution contends that the duo premeditated the incident which took place in January 2021 at Muwanga Zone in Muyenga, Makindye Division.
Dr. Onebe’s several attempts to secure bail citing advanced age and health issues, including chronic prostatitis and high blood pressure, have all been unsuccessful. He claims that he needs to seek treatment abroad in Nairobi and London. However, Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa in January 2022 and later Justice Elubu in February 2023, denied the bail applications, considering him a flight risk and prioritizing an expeditious trial instead.
Justice Elubu acknowledged the exceptional circumstances surrounding Dr. Onebe’s age and health conditions but emphasized the importance of delivering timely justice. Consequently, the case was included in the criminal session of the court that commenced in April 2023.
