The High Court has sentenced a surety to six months in prison after he failed to produce a murder suspect in one of Uganda’s most high-profile criminal cases.
Abdul Swamadu Muyomba will spend the next six months in Luzira Prison. This comes after the High Court found him in breach of his obligation as a surety for Bruhan Balyejusa Kalyango one of eight suspects accused in the 2016 murder of Maj. Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard, Sgt. Steven Mukasa.
Muyomba had pledged a Shs 250 million recognizance to ensure Kalyango’s appearance in court. But when the suspect repeatedly failed to turn up, Muyomba admitted he could neither locate him nor pay the pledged sum.
A panel of four justices, led by Justice Susan Okalany, delivered the ruling following a request from the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Thomas Jatiko. The panel also included Justices Boniface Wamala, Vincent Wagona, and Alice Komuhangi Khauka.
In a related move, the court has issued criminal summons against two other sureties for Kalyango. They are now required to explain why they should not face a similar fate.
Under Ugandan law, a surety is legally responsible for ensuring the accused appears in court or risk imprisonment.
Meanwhile, an arrest warrant remains in effect for Kalyango, who has failed to appear in court multiple times since being granted bail.
The murder case also involves seven other suspects, including Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje, Yusuf Nyanzi, Mohammed Buyondo, and others, all facing charges related to the killing of the army officer and his bodyguard nearly a decade ago.
