Kampala | The International Crimes Division of Uganda’s High Court has finally intervened in the long-stalled trial of Stephen Aineawomugisha, a self-proclaimed retired UPDF officer and private medical practitioner, by ordering a state-appointed lawyer to replace his persistently absent counsel.
The decisive move came after Aineawomugisha appeared in court for the fourth time on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, without his lawyer, Caleb Alaka, leading presiding judge Lady Justice Susan Okalany to declare the delay inexcusable.
“We cannot continue coming to court and wasting everyone’s time,” a visibly frustrated Justice Okalany ruled.
She directed the Deputy Registrar to urgently appoint a defence counsel under a state brief and grant immediate access to Luzira Prison for consultation with the accused.
Aineawomugisha, who faces charges of aggravated defilement and aggravated trafficking in children, was arrested in August 2022 in Lira City. The trial currently centers on allegations involving an 11-year-old girl, while a separate case concerning a 17-year-old girl is still pending.
The prosecution team, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo and Senior State Attorney Marion Ben-Bella from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) affirmed their readiness to proceed, with three witnesses scheduled to testify each day to facilitate thorough cross-examination.
The court has now fixed August 5–7, 2025 for the trial to proceed without further postponement whether or not Alaka resurfaces.
“If Mr Alaka is still interested, he will find us along the way,” Justice Okalany remarked, emphasizing that court proceedings cannot be indefinitely stalled by the conduct of one defence team.
The morning’s session took a dramatic turn when Aineawomugisha lashed out at a journalist, accusing him of publishing “false and dangerous” reports. From the dock, handcuffed and visibly agitated, the accused claimed the journalist was being “used against” him.
Justice Okalany swiftly dismissed the complaint, asserting courtroom openness and press freedom: “This is a public court. Journalists are allowed in. But if any false information is being published, your lawyer knows how to pursue legal remedies.”
She also reminded the media of sub judice rules and warned against compromising witness safety or influencing the trial through irresponsible reporting.
In a last-minute plea, Aineawomugisha asked for a shorter adjournment, citing the long duration of his remand and hardship faced by his children.
However, Justice Okalany rejected the request, stressing the importance of giving the new lawyer adequate time to prepare.
“I don’t want a situation where I appoint a lawyer and he says he hasn’t had enough time,” she said.
The court’s decision to take control of the defence process reflects growing concern over tactics that risk undermining justice and delaying closure for victims.
As the legal machinery sets a firm date, eyes remain on whether the defence now under new representation will finally proceed without obstruction.
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