Last Updated on: 19th April 2023, 08:46 pm
Adjumani, April 19, 2023: The Grade One Magistrate of Adjumani Mr Jude Kamuganga on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, remanded the Madi Paramount Chief Drani Stephen to Openzinzi prison after the court charged him with seven counts of attempted murder and three counts of assault.
Mr Jude Kamaganga while reading the charges to the accused in a Court session attended by few people, said the prosecution alleged that on the 10th Day of April 2023, Chief Drani and others at large in Ngoro West village, Aliwara Parish in Itirikwa sub-county, Adjumani district attempted to cause the death of Anzoa Juliet on count one.
On the other counts, the prosecution further alleged the same accused person and others still at large attempted to cause the death of six other persons including; Lokua Beatrice, Tabuga Zackary, and Galumbwe Ismael. Others are Gule Afiza and Butele Habib.
On the charge of assault, the prosecution alleged that on the 10th Day of April, Chief Drani and others still at large unlawfully assaulted Ijotre Sadik, Drichi Siraje, and Ababiku Flavia occasioning bodily harm.
“I have no mandate to handle the seven counts, therefore, I adjourned the case till May 5, 2023, when you will appear to take a plea before Moyo chief magistrate and that is when you will apply for bail pending the disposal of the case,” Kamuganga told the Court.
Counsel Walea Sophie of Legal Aid Clinic Adjumani branch appeared for Chief Drani but Magistrate Jude Kamaganga advised the accused chief not to enter any plea since his court lacks the jurisdiction to try the case.
Earlier on, the Court adjourned prematurely on the request of the resident state attorney (RSA) to allow him to amend the charges since the two other accused persons, Major Trevor Kibuuku was due to be tried in UPDF 4th military Court Martial in Gulu today, April 19, 2023.
Major Trevor was arrested reportedly on Tuesday from Zoka C barracks on orders of the 4th division commander after he was accused of torturing two women and five others in the Ngoro area.
However, when contacted, the 4th division public relations officer Major Telesphur Byamumanya said he is not aware of the arrest of Major Trevor Kibuuku but said investigations into the alleged torture of women in Adjumani are on and when it is concluded the public will be informed.
Pressed if the reported arrest is part of the investigations, Major Telesphur responded: “Don’t force words into my mouth, I don’t know of any arrest of a UPDF Major.”
After the court session, Mr Njima Bob, a Kampala-based Madi elder, and human rights observer expressed dissatisfaction with the UPDF leadership for amending the charge that exonerated Major Trevor Kibuuku from being tried in civilian court.
He said he is skeptical of the decision of the UPDF administration which according to him is aimed at shielding Major Trevor from appearing before the temple of justice when the people of Adjumani very much wants to see him appear in Adjumani as proof of fair administration of justice.
Also read: Why Madi Paramount Chief Drani Stephen Izakare was detained for 6 hours
Before he was presented to the courtroom while at the court cell, Chief Drani said he is ready and waiting for justice to prevail.
“I appeal for the people of Madi to be calm, in my absence I encourage the cultural leader of the Rendike in Moyo to take over the office of the Paramount.”