BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
The office of the directorate of public prosecution in Kasese has come under criticism over delays in winding up investigations into the matter where Ms Josephine Biira Nyabahasa and 101 are facing a plethora of charges including treason, terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery and trafficking in humans.
Mr Barnabas Tinkasimire from Victoria and Co advocates, who is defense counsel for 22 of the accused persons, wondered why investigations have never been concluded yet it is already more than six months since the offences were allegedly committed.
According to Tinkasimire, the suspects have never been committed to high court to pave way for trial to commence yet they were first arraigned before Kasese Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 23, 2025.
It is alleged that on November 1, 2025 while at diverse areas in the Rwenzori region, the accused persons staged coordinated attacks on police and military installations while armed with Pangas and Catapults.
Yesterday, the suspects were expected to reappear before court via Zoom for further mention of their charges but it went all in vain.
Now, Tinkasimire wants the state to expedite the investigations so that they are committed to high court for trial to enable him file defense for his clients.
He added that he will not hesitate to apply for mandatory bail for his clients by 25th of this month since they will have spent more than 180 days when they were first presented to court.
The presiding Magistrate, His Worship George Mfitundinda, the Kasese Chief Magistrate told court that the suspects were unable to appear because the court systems administrator in charge of Zoom was sick.
He however asked the prosecution side led by the Kasese Resident state attorney, Counsel Godfrey Oundo to brief court on the progress of investigations into the matter. MrOundo told Court that inquiries into the matter are still ongoing and the matter was adjourned until June 17, 2026.ENDS.