The High Court has sentenced Abdul Swamadu Muyomba to six months in Luzira Prison after he failed to produce a murder suspect for whom he had stood surety.
Muyomba had pledged a Shs 250 million recognizance to ensure the appearance of Bruhan Balyejusa Kalyango, who is among eight individuals facing charges in the 2016 murder of Maj. Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard, Sgt. Steven Mukasa. When Kalyango repeatedly failed to appear in court, Muyomba admitted he was unable to pay the pledged amount, prompting the court to impose a custodial sentence.
The ruling was delivered by a panel of four justices led by Justice Susan Okalany, following a request from Thomas Jatiko, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. The panel also included Justices Boniface Wamala, Vincent Wagona, and Alice Komuhangi Khauka.
In addition, the court has issued criminal summons against two other individuals who also stood surety for Kalyango. They are required to appear and justify why they should not face similar punishment. Under Ugandan law, a surety must ensure the accused appears in court or be held liable for the agreed recognizance. Failure to fulfill this obligation can result in imprisonment.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Kalyango, who has repeatedly missed court appearances since being released on bail.
The remaining suspects in the high-profile murder case include Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje, Yusuf Nyanzi, Mohammed Buyondo alias Matiya, Abdu Wahab Sendegeya, Musa Ssekandi alias Masanafu, Jibril Kalyango alias Bin Suleiman, and Noordin Lutaya alias Ibrahim Ssemwanga alias Superman.
