Court dismisses case against singer Leila Kayondo's boyfriend
City businessman Suleiman Mbuga (in hood) with his lawyer at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court recently. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa
KAMPALA. Court on Tuesday dismissed the dramatic case in which city businessman Suleiman Mbuga was charged with assaulting and causing bodily harm to his partner Leila Kayondo, a local musician.
The chief magistrate Richard Mafabi at Makindye court was prompted to dismiss the case after Mr Mbuga reconciled with Ms Kayondo.
“Court is satisfied that no one was coarsed or put under any due influence to suppress this case. Proceedings in this matter are here by terminated and the accused (Mbuga) is discharged and he is at liberty unless held in other charges,” Mr Mafabi ruled, arguing that courts are encouraged to promote reconciliation.
The magistrate also noted that the complainant (Ms Kayondo) had made an additional police statement withdrawing the case.
Last week Mbuga was granted a non- cash bail of 5 million shillings after presenting two sureties.
Court heard that on December 31 last year, Mbuga met the singer at Speke Resort in company of another man, and the two picked up a fight in which he slapped and boxed her.
On the night of January 1, Ms Kayondo reported an assault case against Mr Mbuga at Kabalagala Police Station. However, that night, police officers failed to trace Mr Mbuga at his home and called off the search but gave her police form III for a medical examination.
Although she went for the examination, Leila was mad at police for not arresting Mr Mbuga. She then used her social media platform and posted photos of her bruised body seeking help from Gen Kale Kayihura, the police chief. She accused Kabalagala police officers of conniving with her partner to defeat justice.
The IGP Kale Kayihura then ordered Mbuga’s arrest on the 1st Jan, 2016.
