Court Hears Forensic Evidence in Gen. Katumba Attack Trial

The International Crimes Division of the High Court has heard forensic evidence detailing how Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala’s daughter, Dr Brenda Nantongo, and his driver, Sgt Haruna Kayondo, were killed during the June 2021 attack. The court also ordered medical examinations for some of the accused after they raised concerns about their health and detention conditions.

The proceedings, held before the court in Wandegeya on Tuesday, are part of the trial of Kagugube Muhammed and five others, who face charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism and related offences linked to the attack on the former Works and Transport minister.

The prosecution presented three witnesses, including police forensic pathologist Dr Moses Byaruhanga, who testified that Dr Nantongo died from multiple close-range gunshot wounds.

“The body was very stiff with blood stains all over the dress. She had multiple close-range gunshot entry wounds, and the cause of death was haemorrhagic shock due to the gunshot injuries,” Dr Byaruhanga told the court.

He also testified that Sgt Kayondo suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the right shoulder, chest and leg, injuries that proved fatal.

The defence declined to cross-examine the witness, saying it did not dispute that the two victims died but rejected the prosecution’s claim that the accused were responsible.

“We do not dispute that the deceased died, but we do not accept that the accused are the people who murdered them,” defence counsel told the court.

Before the prosecution presented its evidence, some of the accused complained about their health and conditions of detention.

Two of the accused told the court they were unwell, with one appearing to limp and saying injuries he allegedly sustained through torture continued to cause him severe pain.

“The pain has not stopped, and the scan that court ordered has never been done,” the accused said, referring to an earlier directive for a head scan that he claimed had not been carried out.

The same accused also complained that, despite being a Muslim, he was allegedly forced to attend Christian preaching sessions while on remand.

“I am a Muslim, but every time Christian preachers come, I am forced to attend their preaching. I request to be transferred to another prison,” he told the court.

In response, the trial judge directed that the accused be examined at Murchison Bay Hospital in Luzira, with referrals to specialised medical facilities where necessary.

The hearing resumes on Wednesday and is expected to continue throughout the week as the prosecution presents further evidence aimed at proving that the six accused were behind the attack that left Gen. Katumba Wamala injured and claimed the lives of Dr Brenda Nantongo and Sgt Haruna Kayondo.