‎Judiciary Orders Open Trial for Masaka Murder Suspect

The Judiciary has directed that the trial of Masaka murder suspect Quraish Kamugisha, also known as Fred Mujulizi, be conducted through a mobile court to be held at Ssaza grounds in Masaka City.

Kamugisha was arrested last month in connection with the murder of Jackline Natukunda. Her head was found dumped by the roadside in Kako Cell, Katwadde Ward, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, in Masaka City. Police later discovered a corresponding torso in Migamba Village, Buwunga Sub-county, Masaka District.

Following his arrest, Kamugisha reportedly confessed to killing Natukunda as part of a ritual sacrifice and consuming some of her body parts in pursuit of wealth. Last week, he appeared before the Masaka Grade One Magistrate’s Court, which committed him to the High Court to stand trial on a murder charge.

In a statement, Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda said the arrangement would allow members of the public, including Natukunda’s family, to attend the proceedings. He added that the open court proceedings scheduled to begin on November 23 will be presided over by High Court Justice Vincent Wagona.

“The case will be heard through the Mobile Court initiative to take judicial services closer to the people and enable members of the public, including the affected family, to follow the proceedings in person,” Mawanda said.

Mawanda says the initiative is intended to improve access to justice, facilitate timely hearings and reduce geographical barriers that limit public access to court services. The Judiciary has directed police to provide security at the venue for court officials, witnesses and members of the public.

According to the charge sheet, Kamugisha allegedly lured Natukunda into an intimate relationship before transporting her by motorcycle from Lukaya Town Council in Kalungu District to Masaka. Police reportedly traced their movements using highway surveillance cameras along the Masaka Road.

A subsequent search of Kamugisha’s home in Kasaala Cell, Katwadde Ward, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, reportedly led to the recovery of Natukunda’s clothes and handbag, as well as body parts in a saucepan.

Police say Kamugisha also led investigators to the crime scenes, participated in reconstructing the incidents and handed over a machete he allegedly used in the murder. Kamugisha was arrested alongside Huzairuh Kyambadde, a businessman at Nkoni Trading 

Centre in Lwengo District. Kyambadde was suspected of being a witch doctor and an accomplice in the alleged ritual murder. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges against Kyambadde after investigations established that he had been framed over a debt he owed Kamugisha.

Police have also linked Kamugisha to a series of killings in the Greater Masaka sub-region. They identified him as Fred Mujulizi, a suspected contract killer who had been on the wanted list since 2012.

In 2013, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations released his photograph to the public, identifying him as a wanted suspect linked to several murders. Those cases included the killing of nine members of a family in Kannabulemi Village, Kyebe Sub-county, in present-day Kyotera District.

Police say they are reviewing additional murder files in which Kamugisha is suspected of involvement. Further charges could be brought as investigations continue.