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Gov’t evacuates over 200 Ugandans from Sudan

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Our Reporter
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Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023. Credit: AFP - Getty Images

Atleast 211 Ugandans have been evacuated from Sudan, Eagle Online can reliably report. The evacuees were received by Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Aboard chartered Uganda Airlines plane, the group touched down at 02:30 am at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda from Bahir Dar Airport in Northern Ethiopia


The evacuation exercises followed the eruption of violence erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, between rival military groups fighting the Arab country. Two military men behind the dispute include; Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the armed forces and in effect the country’s president, and his deputy and leader of the RSF, Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti.


The evacuees in the company of Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, Director General of ESO, composed of diplomats, students, and business expatriates.
On Tuesday,  Ofwono Opondo, the government spokesperson said  following the eruption of the crisis, President Yoweri Museveni tasked the Director General of External Security Organization- ESO, Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, to work with our Embassy in Khartoum to mobilize Ugandans.


Ambassador Ocwet and Brigadier General Frederick Karara (Defense Attachè) embarked on the campaign to mobilize Ugandans in Khartoum through telephone and WhatsApp groups.


“The Ugandans were mobilized to assemble at the University of Africa in Khartoum, where the majority of the students are. And fewer of the working group was brought to the Embassy of Uganda in Khartoum. Brigadier Karara organized transport buses to begin busing them towards the East, to the border of Ethiopia,” he said.
Opondo said the government of Uganda had chartered the Uganda Airlines plane to go and airlift them however it hasn’t been possible, because it was discovered late in the night that airport’s runway is too small for the Airbus and therefore, there are new negotiations to pave way to use another airport in the North of Ethiopia.

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High Court rules BoU has powers to block digital coin transactions

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Our Reporter
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The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application which sought to quash a Bank of Uganda (BoU) directive that barred licensed entities and individuals from facilitating crypto transactions.

In his ruling, Justice Musa Ssekaana insisted that the central bank’s crypto prohibition does not amount to an infringement on property rights.

Instead, the directive is an attempt by the central bank not to legalize the “undefined system as a payment instrument in Uganda.”

In May 2022, the BoU warned parties disregarding its directive that it will not hesitate to invoke “its powers under Section 13(l) (b) & (f) of the NPS Act, 2020 for any licensees that will be found in breach of the above directive.”

Immediately after the directive was issued, Silver Kayondo, a Ugandan crypto trader, sought redress via the High Court. In addition to having the court declare crypto’s legitimate digital assets, Kayondo also wanted the court to set aside the central bank’s directive.

However, in ruling against Kayondo’s application, Justice Ssekaana said the BoU acted appropriately when it issued the directive.

“The applicant cannot make a claim for legitimate expectation merely because the public statement did not outlaw the same. The statement did not promise to the applicant or other stakeholders that cryptocurrencies would be allowed in Uganda or would never be regulated. Legitimate expectation relates to a promise in relation to an existing situation which will continue, or to a future benefit, advantage or course of action which the authority will follow,” Justice Ssekaana asserted.

The judge also added that the BOU directive clearly states Uganda’s position with respect to cryptocurrencies and that “the context cannot be distorted to infer any benefit or promise of legality.” Ssekaana also ordered each party to bear the costs of bringing the matter before the courts.

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Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo kicks off

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Our Reporter
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The 7th Edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2023 has kicked off at the Speke Resort Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel in Kampala.

The expo was officially opened by the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butiime who said that the country can attract more visitors with a number of initiatives put in place to drum up visibility.

Butiime described POATE as one of the vehicles that is helping to create awareness through whipping visitors into the country.
He is opportunistic that tourism earnings would double as the economy recovers to pre pandemic levels.

Butiime also cautioned the private sector to improve their game to the acceptable international standards calling for UTB to enforce and ensure compliance with the set standards —saying ‘this will provide the expected experience or even better.’

He said the sector has received the directives by the President in the tourism sector, and says if they are implemented, tourists will be able to land at the different parks and areas in private jets.

UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova said the Expo in its 7th edition brings together industry stakeholders to discuss the potential benefits of tourism, its future, and evaluate the readiness and position of destinations, regions, and the continent as a whole.

“The Expo will shift its focus to sustainable and responsible tourism, which is emerging as the next trend for tourism development in Uganda and world at large,” She said.

She further noted that the presence of key stakeholders from the region symbolizes the spirit of supporting each other through Intra- regional trade.

Group chairman, Ruparelia group of Companies. Sudhir Ruparelia. One of the sponsors of the Expo

At this year’s event, the 7th edition of POATE, 100 hosted buyers are in attendance, from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Spain

Mrs. Ajarova added that they have been very strategic when inviting hosted buyers to the event.

“This select group of travel specialists will explore Uganda – the Pearl of Africa and thereafter include our beautiful destination in their Africa itineraries. That way, Uganda will receive more travellers and associated benefits including increased tourism revenue and employment,” she said.

The Expo will host business-to-business meetings, networking events and familiarization trips within the country, while the last day will be dedicated to consumers interested in networking with the POATE exhibitors.

Over 300 exhibitors are showcasing their offering at POATE 2023, including regional tourism boards, international tour operators and associations, hoteliers, international media, and airlines.

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AYA Investments faces liquidation $80m debt

By
Simon Kabayo
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Muhammed Hamid,CEO Aya Investments
Over 10 creditors have written to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), seeking recovery of their monies from AYA Investments Uganda Ltd, which is facing liquidation over failure to pay its debts amounting to $80 million.
URSB has been appointed by court to handle the liquidation process and on Monday, they received petitions from at least 10 creditors who are seeking to recover unpaid debts from AYA Investments.


AYA Investments Uganda Ltd is owned by Muhammed Hamid, 47, and is the owner of Pearl of Africa which has rebranded to Win 5 Hotel and Spa.


AYA’s financial woes originate from the huge loan they obtained from South African lender, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in 2007 to develop a hotel project in Kampala.
Some of the companies seeking payment from AYA include Sanlam, Fresh Cuts, Total, Umeme and Kampala Capital City Authority, some of whom have previously sued AYA over failure to pay for supplied goods and services.
Mr Steven Baryevuga, the URSB senior communications and media relations officer said that on Monday they had held a meeting with 10 creditors in regard to the matter.


“There will be another meeting to verify claims of indebtedness by creditors who have lodged claims,” he is quoted as saying.
Mr Robert Mugabe, the URSB director of insolvency and receivership, is managing the liquidation process.


Hamid, through his AYA Group, is associated with several other investments, and in 2015, made it to Forbes’ list as the second richest African man under 40. Aya Bakery Limited, Aya Biscuits Limited, and Aya Foundation Limited, a charity helping children in need of expensive health care.

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Plant mosquito repellents and clear bushes to avoid Malaria-Tayebwa

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Our Reporter
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Aedes aegypti; adult female mosquito taking a blood meal on human skin

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament has asked Ugandans to banish mosquitoes with plant repellents and clearing bushes around their homes.
Tayebwa said it doesn’t have to be only about money but  mobilisation of communities and sensitization of the people can play an equally important role in the fight against Malaria which kills 52 Ugandans daily and accounts to economic loss of Shs 2.4 trillion per year.
“It doesn’t have to be only about money. It’s also about mobilisation of the communities. We are going to task ourselves as leaders to go back to our communities and sensitize them so that they can get tested, clear bushes around their homes and use plants which are mosquito repellent and use the nets for the purpose they are meant to serve,” the deputy speaker said.
He tasked the Ministry of Health to promote planting of greenery that repels mosquitoes but also intensifies community mobilisations.
“Most of the time we have focused on the distribution of nets but if you give nets without proper sensitisation of the people, that’s how they end up using them for fishing, making ‘Malwa’, alcohol and all that. It is very painful and our focus on only distribution of nets  especially in rural areas won’t help,” he said.
Uganda has one of the highest global burden of malaria cases, with over 90% of the population at risk, malaria remains Uganda’s leading cause of death, especially in children.
The disease causes immense detrimental health effects and is responsible for 30 to 50% of outpatient visits and 15 to 20% of hospital admissions.
The average economic loss in Uganda due to malaria annually is over $500 million. In 2021, the World Health Organisation reported that there were an estimated 13 million malaria cases and over 19,600 estimated deaths in the country.
“We need to look at Malaria from an economic point of view. How much are we losing as a country, so that when one is calculating that we don’t have money,  he also knows that if this money is invested, it would prevent a haemorrhage of other funds, have an effect on the economy, and protect life. In many countries, even if it means spending a billion dollars to save one person, it’s done. The walk has happened at every good time when we’re budgeting. Let us get money for spraying, creating awareness, treating our people and testing,” he said.
“it’s our duty to ensure that indeed the right measures are put in place as far as fighting malaria in the country is concerned. We are all in this together so we need to take action before it’s too late.” he said.
The Parliament Walk against Malaria is being led by the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria as part of the World Malaria day commemoration.
Mr. Geoffrey Mutiwa, the  Treasurer for Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria (UPFM) and MP Bunyole West said that many Ugandans are unaware that malaria is one of the major killer diseases in the country, and reiterated the urgency to enlighten Ugandans on eliminating the disease.
“As stakeholders, we need to work together and ensure that we educate the population about the causes of malaria. This will show them that it is a major problem that should be fought against,” Mutiwa said.
“Political engagement is so important to combating malaria and as Parliamentarians we can use our influence and platforms to support initiatives and ultimately help make key decisions regarding policies and budget allocations,” Mr. Mutiiwa said, commending Members of Parliament under their umbrella body UPFM for maintaining the malaria debates high on the Parliamentary agenda.
“Let us amplify voices by advocating for more resources for malaria control and elimination in order to bridge the funding gap. Investment in the malaria fight is one of the best buys in national health. The tools are cost effective and the return on investment is high. Ending malaria transmission will increase the quality of life of millions of people particularly women and children and free up resources that are currently being used to fight the disease.”

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IGG to conduct conclusive investigations into Office of the Prime Minister

By
Our Reporter
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Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja

The Inspectorate of Government is set to conduct a conclusive investigation in the Office of the Prime Minister- OPM, Eagle Online has learnt.
According to the Inspector General of Government-IGG Betty Kamya, the investigations will be conducted in three weeks.
IGG’s interests followed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo directive  to expeditiously investigate the Ministers implicated in the mismanagement of iron sheets that were meant to benefit the impoverished people in Karamoja.
“For the last two years, there have been a lot of relief resources allocated to the Office of the Prime Minister. The investigations will be premised on, the source of the funds, policy of distribution, delivery, storage of all relief items,” Kamya said.


In January 2023, Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, the minister of Karamoja Affairs who doubles as the Woman MP for Manafwa directed for the release of over 12,200 pre-painted iron sheets labeled Office of the Prime Minister to various ministers including prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, vice president Jesicca Alupo and the speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among.


The roofing sheets sparked an outcry after it was established that they were procured to benefit the impoverished people in the Karamoja Sub-region. This website established that President Yoweri Museveni took interest in the matter and directed that every government official implicated in the matter should not leave the country until the cases are disposed of.
Last week, DPP revealed that her office is working on 40 files in relation to the abuse and diversion of the iron sheets that were meant for impoverished people in the Karamoja sub-region.


Atleast three ministers including; Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, the minister of Karamoja Affairs and Woman MP for Manafwa; Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Amos Lugoloobi and State minister in charge of Karamoja  Agnes Nadutu were charged and remanded for mismanagement of Karamoja roofing iron sheets.
Kitutu is facing two charges of loss of public property and conspiracy to defraud while Lugoloobi and Nandutu were charged with dealing with suspect property contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009.


On January 12, 2023, in an internal memo to the stores’ department at the OPM, minister Kitutu ordered the release of 12,200 iron sheets to her office.
Her memo read in part, “During community mobilization and peace-building missions, I usually meet vulnerable groups and karuchunas (reformed warriors) who are willing to dissociate themselves from rustling. As part of my intervention, I will be distributing iron sheets to such special vulnerable groups.”


The memo notes that the stores’ department relied on WhatsApp messages sent by the minister’s personal assistant to distribute the iron sheets. The iron sheets were distributed from January 25, 2023, until February 8, 2023, when the release of the iron sheets was halted indefinitely.


According to the information obtained by this paper, state minister for primary education, Moriku Kaducu received 200 roofing iron sheets; former speaker Rebecca Kadaga 500; State minister for defence, Jacob Markson Oboth 300; Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia  Nakadama 300; Finance minister Matia Kasija 300; Kitutu Mary Gorreti 3000; Government Chief Whip, Obua Denis Hanson 300; Amos Lugoloobi 300; State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries Bwiino Kyakulaga 300; State minister for Karamoja Agnes Nadutu 2300 and others.


Other beneficiaries include; Jessica Alupo- Vice President; Anita Among- Speaker of Parliament; Robinah Nabbanja- Prime Minister; Judith Nabakooba – Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development; Rose Lilly Akello – Minister for Ethics and Integrity.
This Paper understands that Nabakooba, Nandutu, Kasaija, Among have returned their shares to the office of the Prime Minister- OPM stores Namanve.

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Artfield Institute of Design, PRAU collaborate to foster skillset upgrade for pr professionals

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Our Reporter
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Tina Wamala, President PRAU shake hands with Rwemereza Abaasa, Artfield representative after the MOU signing at AFID

Artfield Institute of Design (AFID) and Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) are pleased to announce a collaboration aimed at promoting PR excellence in Uganda. Founded in 2010, AFID is committed to making an impact in Africa through design and offers a wide range of courses including Motion Graphics, 3D Animation, Interior Design, Audio Production, Visual Communication, Graphics Design, Multimedia, among others.


PRAU, the umbrella body for all PR professionals in the private and public sectors, has identified challenges in the performance of its obligations in the public relations industry and has sought a collaboration avenue with AFID to address these challenges and upgrade the skillset of its members.


“We are thrilled to collaborate with Uganda Artfield Institute of Design to provide our members with access to high-quality design education,” said Tina Wamala, President of Public Relations Association of Uganda. “This collaboration will help upgrade the skillset of our members and enhance their capabilities in the field of public relations, ultimately benefiting the PR industry in Uganda as a whole.”


Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AFID and PRAU, it is mutually agreed that PRAU members will have the opportunity to sign up for any of the professional short courses offered by AFID at a subsidized fee of 1,300,000 Ugandan Shillings for a period of 9 weeks. This collaboration aims to provide PRAU members with access to high-quality design education and skills development to enhance their capabilities in the field of public relations.


In addition, each party’s members will be eligible for discounts on attendance fees for paid events organised by the other party, with the nature of the discount to be determined on an event-by-event basis. Furthermore, the parties will have co-branding opportunities on communications and events in which they have mutual interest and will collaborate on thought leadership articles in the advertising and public relations sectors to boost the industry image and lobby for support from target stakeholders.
“We are excited to partner with the Public Relations Association of Uganda to promote PR excellence in Uganda,” said a representative from Uganda Artfield Institute of Design. “We believe that this collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for skill development and knowledge exchange between the PR and design industries and contribute to the growth and professionalism of both fields,” said Rwemereza Abaasa, Artfield representative.

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Gov’t urges China to invest Uganda’s agriculture, energy and mining

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Government of Uganda has appealed to the Republic of China to come and invest in Uganda’s agriculture, energy, mining and petroleum sectors, arguing that there is huge untapped potential.

Speaking during the China -Uganda Investment Economic and Trade Promotion conference at Kampala Serena Hotel on Tuesday, Ugandan officials, among them, State Minister for Energy Sidronius Opolot Okaasai, said Uganda provides a very conducive investment through the growing market for various products, good infrastructure, political and economic stability, liberalised banking and finance.

The minister added that Uganda’s oil and gas sector which is implementing various projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project, and ongoing exploration through the upcoming third licensing round presents opportunities that Chinese companies can invest in.

“In the energy sector the Government is working to increase generation of energy, modernization and expansion of energy transmission and distribution. This presents various opportunities for investment and partnership between Chinese and Ugandan companies,” Okaasai said.

“Uganda admires the development trajectory of China which has been able to progress in the last few decades and managed to completely transform its economy into a global power house. We commit to continue promoting and supporting the mutual collaboration between Ugandan and Chinese companies,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, said China and Uganda are good partners.

“Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Museveni, China-Uganda relationship has made significant progress in recent years and is in its best shape. Our political mutual trust has been continuously deepened, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral economic cooperation,”Lizhong said.

The Conference’s main objective was bolstering further bilateral cooperation between Uganda and the People’s Republic of China, specifically the sister-sister relations of Changsha City and Entebbe City.

The promotion conference focused on showcasing Uganda’s Investment opportunities in the areas of agriculture value addition; mineral development and promotion of the 3rd China Africa Economic and Trade Expo scheduled for June this year.

Changsha is the host city of the China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo scheduled for June 29th to July 2nd, 2023.

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How to find the best betting sites in Kenya

By
Our Reporter
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If you’re looking for the best betting sites in Kenya, it can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, there are several factors you can consider when choosing a betting site to ensure you find the best one for your needs.

5 Key Points when choosing betting sites:

  1. Licensing and Regulation: Always choose a betting site that is licensed and regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in Kenya. This ensures that the site is operating legally and meets the required standards for fairness and security.
  2. Range of Betting Options: Look for a site that offers a wide range of sports and events to bet on, including popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis, as well as niche sports like rugby or cricket.
  3. Competitive Odds: Choose a site that offers competitive odds on the sports and events you want to bet on. This ensures that you get the best value for your money and can maximize your winnings.
  4. User-friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface is important, especially if you’re new to online betting. Choose a site that is easy to navigate and has a simple and intuitive layout.
  5. Mobile Compatibility: With the rise of mobile betting, it’s important to choose a site that is mobile compatible and has a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-friendly website.

Bet Sites Payment Methods:

When choosing a betting site, it’s also important to consider the payment methods available. Look for a site that offers a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and mobile payment options like M-PESA.

Betting Sites With Bonus in Kenya:

Many betting sites in Kenya offer bonuses and promotions to new and existing customers. Look for a site that offers a generous welcome bonus and regular promotions and rewards, such as free bets and cashback offers.

Common questions about betting in Kenya:

Yes, betting sites in Kenya are legal as long as they are licensed and regulated by the BCLB.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings from betting sites in Kenya?

Yes, all winnings from betting sites in Kenya are subject to a 20% withholding tax.

Can I bet on my mobile phone?

Yes, many betting sites in Kenya have mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites that allow you to place bets on your mobile phone.

How long do withdrawals take?

Withdrawal times can vary depending on the payment method you choose. E-wallets and mobile payment options usually offer faster withdrawals than credit/debit cards. It’s important to check the withdrawal times before choosing a payment method.

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Who Killed ASP Muhammad Kirumira?

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Our Reporter
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The high court acquitted Abubakar Kalungi, the suspect implicated in the gun down of former Buyende District police Commander –DPC officer ASP Muhammad Kirumira and his friend Resty Nalinya Mbabazi.
Abubakar Kalungi, who has been on trial, was yesterday set free by High Court Judge Margaret Mutonyi on grounds that investigators did a shoddy job that has since left so many unanswered questions on who and why the two victims were murdered.


She condemned investigators for torturing Kalungi before giving a confessing statement. She said the suspect had healing wounds sustained a few days before recording a confessing statement. She observed that the statement was written in English and it was not translated for him since he can’t read or understand English.
“It unsafe to rely on confession statement recorded by Walimbwa Stephen because a confession statement recorded out of torture has no evidential value,” she ruled.


She ruled that there was no evidence that the deceased were killed by ADF terrorists because the body of Umar Katerega, the suspected killer who was allegedly put out of action by police could not be traced.
“Where Ugandan citizens are gruesomely killed using weapons which are a preserve of our security forces. It is important that investigations are taken seriously to the extent of establishing the kind of weapon that was used,” she ruled.
She ruled that the court could not convict Kalungi based on eye witness Abdul Kugongo who failed to identify him among the suspects despite noting that he was a few meters away from the crime scene.


Kirumira and Nalinya were gunned down on September 8, 2018 by unknown assailants travelling motorcycles. Kirumira was driving towards his home when gunmen waylaid him and opened fire at Bulenga trading centre. Following their death, police nabbed Hamza Mwebe and Abubakar Kalungi as the prime suspects implicated in the double murder.
Last year, the court started the trial of Hamza Mwebe and Abubakar Kalungi over their links to the killing of Kirumira and Nalinya.  In December 2022, high Court Judge Justice Margrate Mutonyi acquitted Mwebe after the prosecution failed to avail evidence pinning him over the gruesome killing. She ruled that Kalungi had a case to answer.


In March 2023, court assessors advised the High Court to find the suspect Abubaker Kalungi innocent and acquit him of the crime. The assessors told Justice Margaret Mutonyi that they are not convinced that Kalungi participated in the murder of Kirumira and another victim Resty Nalinnya Mbabazi in Bulenga Trading Center, Wakiso district.


They claimed that they are convinced that the prosecution proved that Kirumira’s death was unlawful and committed with malice aforethought and that none of the 15 Prosecution witnesses had placed Abubaker Kalungi at the scene of the crime.
Kalungi was said to have been hired by one Kateregga who is reportedly dead, to trail Kirumira’s movements. It shall also be remembered that on 23rd November last year, Justice Mutonyi dismissed a confession statement of one of the suspects Abubaker Kalungi saying that the State had failed to prove that it was voluntarily made as it was full of contradictions. Kalungi was acquitted but was rearrested soon after.

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