Lawyers to appeal as women welcome kasiwukira verdict

Lawyers representing Sandra Nakungu, a cousin to the widow of deceased city businessman Eriya Bugembe Ssebunya also known as Kasiwukira, are set to appeal against yesterday’s High Court verdict that saw her handed a 20-year jail term.

Nakungu and Ashraf Jaden, a police officer were yesterday convicted by High Court Judge Masalu Musene for conspiring to murder Kasiwukira, while Sarah Nabikolo the widow was acquitted.

Nabikolo was acquitted by High Court Judge Masalu Musene yesterday on grounds that she was not involved in the murder of her husband.

However, Nakungu’s lawyer Ladislus Rwakafuzi tells KFM that they are not satisfied with the judgment, arguing that his client did not have any motive to participate in Kasiwukira’s murder.

Meanwhile, women rights activists have welcomed the acquittal of Sarah Nabikolo.

The Executive Director Uganda Women’s Network Rita Aciro says they respect the judge’s decision and everyone should.

"I want to trust our judge and if the court to acquitted her there must be justifiable reasons. Ofcourse our courts allow if someone is disatisfied to proceed with an appeal", Ms Aciro told KFM in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

Former ethics and integrity minister Hon.Miria Matembe has also welcomed the court ruling.

"You know the case of murder must be proved beyond reasonable doubt so if the evidence adduced before the court does not prove that she took part in the murder then she had to be acquitted", Hon Matembe tells KFM.

Kasiwukira was hit by a car, which sped off after the incident on the morning of October 17, 2014 as he was jogging in the neighborhood of Muyenga, a Kampala suburb.

At the time, the police referred to it as an “intentional run over”, but two months later, the three main convicts, Nabikolo, Nakungu and Jaden were charged with murder.

Kasiwukira is remembered for his critical role in the development of the local music industry.