The High Court has in Masaka delivered a verdict, sentencing a witchdoctor to life imprisonment for the ritual murder of one-year-old Percy Mirembe. This decision comes after a thorough trial process and marks a significant step in addressing a crime that deeply shook the nation.
High Court judge Victoria Nakintu Nkwanga, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, declared that the prosecution successfully demonstrated the guilt of witchdoctor Moses Makumbi and his accomplice Dennis Kabuye in the murder of Mirembe on October 23, 2017. The heinous nature of this crime resonated across the country, prompting widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The tragic sequence of events began when Kabuye, masquerading as a family member, enticed Mirembe away from her home with the promise of a treat. Witnesses later observed Kabuye handing the child over to Makumbi, a prominent figure in the community known for practicing witchcraft. Despite initial confusion surrounding the child’s disappearance, a search ensued, leading to the grim discovery of her mutilated remains in a nearby forest.
Throughout the trial, it emerged that Makumbi had connections to previous cases of ritual murder, drawing parallels to other notorious incidents such as the case involving businessman Godfrey Kato Kajubi. Following a meticulous examination of the evidence, the court found both Kabuye and Makumbi guilty of murder under Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act.
Judge Nkwanga emphasized that while the verdict cannot alleviate the profound grief experienced by Mirembe’s family, it represents a crucial step towards closure and accountability in the wake of this devastating tragedy. The ruling reaffirms the commitment of Uganda’s justice system to uphold the rights of the innocent and ensure that perpetrators of such heinous acts are held accountable.
In response to the verdict, Chief State Attorney Noah Kunya, representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), expressed gratitude to the diligent efforts of police investigators, medical professionals, and all witnesses involved in the case. Their unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in pursuing justice for the victim and her family.
