Nine people suspected of cannibalism are to be arrested after they failed to appear in court.
The order to arrest Bosco Ssegirinya, Maria Nabukenya, Ramka Kaweesa, Aloysious Kasujja and Ronald Ssebuufu on sight was made on Monday, May 25 by Masaka Grade One magistrate Taddeo Muinda.Others who failed to turn up and are wanted include: Jozeveriti Nuwagaba, Peregrine Mpoza, Imelda Nalubega and Alex Ssebala, all residents of Kyakirugu, Kyarulangira sub country in Rakai district.
The suspects are part of a group of 13 people who were charged with the murder of Ms Peace Arinaitwe Kyamukama and her nine-month old baby. They are also charged with attempting to murder Deus Bandihihi, Ms Kyamukama’s husband.
Those who appeared in court include Michael Kabiito, Ismael Ssekyanzi, Asaf Tumuhimbise and Alex Ssemyalo.
Three sickly suspects were released on bail in 2014 by then Masaka Resident Judge, Justice Kibuuka Musoke, while the others were released in October last year by Lady Justice Margeret Oumo Oguli after spending six months without facing trial.
According to prosecution, the deceased and her husband were returning from burial and, as fate would have it, were caught up by time, prompting them to seek shelter at Mr Tumuhimbise’s home. It is here that the pair and their child, who were heading home in Kisekka Sub County, Lwengo district, allegedly met with the cannibalism suspects, who in turn descended on them for a meal.
Mr Bandihihi managed to escape from the suspects but his wife and child were not as lucky.
Now, the magistrate’s court has set May 27 as the date when the suspects will appear for committal to High Court, since the lower court has no jurisdiction to hear offences of capital nature.
