Terror suspects appear in court again

A group of 30 people who were arrested in connection with the July twin bombings that killed over 70 people in Kampala has been remanded to Luzira Maximum Prison.

The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday also remanded another four suspects in relation to the same incident to police custody to allow the state and police easy access for inquiry.

Chief Magistrate Deo Ssejjemba remanded the two groups until September 16 when they reappear for mention of the case. The group appeared before court for fresh plea taking after Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi submitted to court an amended charge sheet to include two more suspects; Yahya Suleiman Mbuthia and Khalifa Abdi Muhammed.

The duo and other two suspects; Idris Magondu and Mohammad Hamid Sulaiman—were the four sent to police custody. Ms Kagezi asked court for an adjournment to allow the state bring to the country two more suspects who were recently arrested in Tanzania.

“Investigations into this matter are still in progress. I pray for more time to complete the interrogation of the suspects. I also pray that four of these suspects are remanded to police custody for identification and easy access for interrogation,” Ms Kagezi said.
However, Mr Ssejjemba did not allow the suspects to plead to the charges, saying the court did not have the powers to hear them.
They were charged with 76 charges of murder, three charges of terrorism and 10 charges of attempted murder at Kyaddondo Rugby Club, Lugogo and Ethiopian Village in Kabalagala.

Driven to court amid tight security of uniformed and plain clothed armed officers, 14 of suspects have acquired advocates.
City advocates Ladislaus Rwakafuzi and Siraje Ali, who represented 14 of the 34 suspects, requested that witness statements and copies of charge sheets be availed to the suspects.

But Ms Kagezi downplayed their request, saying it was premature for the application because the suspects had not been committed to the High Court for trial.

According to the charge sheet, the group and others still at large in Kampala with intent to influence government or intimidate the public and for a political, religious, social or economic aim without due regard to safety of others or property intentionally and unlawfully delivered and discharged explosives with intent to cause death and serious injury.

Forensic exhibits
Meanwhile, a number of suspects complained to the court about worrying medical conditions and loss of personal property during detention.
The state attorney explained that all the money obtained is being regarded as proceeds from the execution of the blast while the items are being kept as exhibits subject to forensic investigation.