The High Court in Kampala on Tuesday denied bail to Quantum Logistics boss Mathew Kanyamunyu, his girlfriend Cynthia Munwangari and brother Joseph Kanyamunyu who are accused of murdering social worker Kenneth Akena in November last year.
Justice Elizabeth Kabanda who delivered the ruling based her decision on several grounds including nature of offence and issues surrounding Munwangari’s particulars.
State prosecutor Samalie Wakooli had earlier urged court not to grant bail to Munwangari, saying she was a Burundian national who could flee the country.
Munwangari has a dual citizenship of Burundi and Rwanda.
In Uganda, she runs her business using a work permit.
The judge agreed with the argument saying Munwangari’s only attachment to Uganda was a work permit that could not be relied on to grant her bail.
The judge went ahead to rule against the bail application, saying the accused fell short of satisfy court they had fixed places of abode in the court’s jurisdiction.
Concurring with defence lawyers that the offence against the trio is bailable, Kabanda said the accused ought to have exceptional circumstances to support their request.
“I find no exceptional circumstance present,” she said.
Some of the exceptional circumstances that would guarantee their bail release include advanced age and sickness.
The judge however dismissed the argument by the state prosecutors that if released, the suspects would jump bail explaining that it was not supported by any evidence from the state prosecutors.
Akena’s Relatives Happy
The deceased’s associates led by Kitgum Municipality MP Beatrice Anywar and Aruu county legislator Odonga Otto expressed joy at the ruling.
Anywar said the ruling was a sign justice would prevail, applauding court for standing firm against perceived injustices to the Akena family.