The trial for Jamil Mukulu and his 37 co-suspects to Take Place in Luzira Prison Premises
By Fred Kajubi
The trial for Jamil Mukulu and his 37 co-suspects is going to take place in Luzira prison premises to avoid exposure of inmates to the deadly COVID-19. The consensus was secured today on the status conference meeting at the International crimes division of the high court which was attended by defense lawyers, the Directorate of public prosecutions, Judges, and Luzira prison Authority.
Jamil Mukulu who is jointly charged with 37 others is facing 20 counts including; terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and belonging to a terrorism group-ADF. He was arrested in Tanzania in 2015 and extradited to Uganda for trial. On December 29, 2016, he was charged at Jinja Magistrate Court and later committed to the High Court to stand trial but to date, the trial is yet to kick-off.
Today Jamil Mukulu’s lawyers led by Anthony Wameli together with judicial officers at the international crimes division, prosecution, and officials of Luzira Upper prison held a first status conference meeting and agreed to have the trial in Luzira prisons due to the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions.
Anthony Wameli noted that parties agreed not to have proceedings via video conference due to the unique nature of the instant case which requires constant interactions between lawyers and the accused.
The trial is expected to kick off in November as the prosecution’s needs more than a month to have its evidence and witnesses put together. The prosecution has over 150 witnesses from Uganda and Tanzania.
Mukulu is indicted as the leader of the ADF and Salaf Muslim community in Uganda who allegedly ordered his 37 co-suspects to commit murders and robberies in various districts like Bugiri, Tororo, Namayingo, Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, and Budaka among others. He is also indicted for the murder of 2 sheikhs; Dakitoor Muwaya and Yunus Abubakar Mandanga in Mayuge and Bugiri districts respectively. He is further charged with the murder of 2 police officers Muzamir Babale and Karim Tenywa from Bugiri police station.
