The hearing of an appeal against two individuals convicted for the murder of former Kampala businessman Eria Ssebunya Bugembe, alias Kasiwukira, has failed to proceed before the Supreme Court due to logistical issues.
The Court, led by Professor Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza and four other Justices, was informed that the delay was caused by prison authorities’ inability to transfer one of the appellants, Police Constable Jaden Ashiraf, from Bugungu prison to Luzira.
During the session, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Timothy Tamale explained that security concerns and understaffing at the prison had hindered the transfer.
Tamale requested at least one week to finalize a security plan for Ashiraf’s transfer to Luzira.
As a result, Ashiraf attended the court session via Zoom.
The Justices, however, declined the request for an extension and instead ordered the Supreme Court Registrar to facilitate a visit by Ashiraf’s lawyer, Andrew Ssebugwawo, to Bugungu prison by next week.
This visit will allow Ssebugwawo to meet with Ashiraf and receive formal instructions for handling the appeal.
Jaden Ashiraf, a former police officer from Mayuge Community Police, and his co-convict, Sandrah Nakungu, who is serving a 20-year sentence for the murder of her in-laws, are appealing their convictions.
In 2016, the late High Court Judge Wilson Masalu Musene convicted Nakungu and Ashiraf for the murder of Kasiwukira, citing their clear intent to kill the businessman.
The delay in the hearing adds further uncertainty to the legal proceedings in this high-profile case.
By Bridget Kenyangye
3rd April 2025
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