By Aggrey Twesigye
The Magistrate’s Court in Kiruhura has dismissed charges against seven National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were arrested in early November last year.
The accused are Marvin Katongole from Nansana Municipality, Daudi Kirumira of Ntinda–Bukoto in Kampala, Lazaro Bukenya of Karagara in Mpigi, Arafat Kyakuwadde of Kahunga in Ntungamo, Owen Ndyamuba of Market Cell, Chris Kanyakire of Rugarama in Ntungamo, and Bashir Ali from Butambala District.
The seven were arrested in Sanga Town Council during the campaign trail of then NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and were detained at Kiruhura Main Prison.
They had been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Act. According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly assaulted Edward Kimera and Safari Mugyenyi on November 5, 2025, at Sanga Town Council in Kiruhura District.
The case was dismissed by the Chief Magistrate of Kiruhura, His Worship Benjamin Seruwo, after the prosecution failed to present witnesses.
State Attorney Joel Semo told court the matter was coming up for hearing but admitted that the prosecution had no witnesses present and requested an adjournment.
Counsel for the accused, Joshua Tumukunde, argued that since the case commenced, the prosecution had consistently failed to produce witnesses, causing unnecessary delays and violating the accused persons’ right to a speedy and fair trial as guaranteed under Article 28 of the Constitution.
He asked the court to dismiss the case under Section 119 of the Magistrates Courts Act for want of prosecution.
In response, the State Attorney again sought an adjournment. The Magistrate declined the request and dismissed the case for want of prosecution.
