Milly Naluwenda (with mask) in the dock

DPP withdraws murder charges against Kisekwa court secretary

by · The Observer

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has withdrawn charges against Milly Naluwenda, secretary for the court of Yakisekwa, who had been jointly charged with five others in connection with the murder of Ndiga clan leader Daniel Bbosa Kakeedo.

The murder, which took place on February 25, 2024, saw Bbosa fatally shot by assailants on motorcycles in Lungujja Kikandwa Division, Rubaga district. After spending eight months on remand, Naluwenda has now been released by principal grade one magistrate Adams Byarugaba, pending any other lawful charges.

Naluwenda appeared in court, dressed in a kitenge African dress and wearing two rosaries—one large one around her arm and a smaller one around her neck. Chief state attorney Lillian Omara informed the court of the DPP's decision to withdraw the charges, presenting a letter signed by Abodo.

No reasons were provided for the withdrawal, as Article 120 grants the DPP authority to initiate or withdraw charges at any stage before judgment, without the obligation to disclose the reasons. Upon hearing the court's decision, an emotional Naluwenda looked upwards while her relatives, present in the courtroom, clapped in relief.

Previously, Lujja Tabula, the prime suspect, testified that Naluwenda's involvement was limited to informing him of Lwomwa's murder. He asserted that she had contacted him only to share news of the incident and was not involved in any planning or execution of the crime.

Tabula has since pleaded for the release of the remaining co-accused, maintaining that all are innocent except for himself and Noah Lujja. With Naluwenda's charges withdrawn, five individuals remain implicated in the case.

The session continued with the reading of evidence intended for use against the remaining accused. The prosecution confirmed that inquiries are complete, and the case is now ready for commitment to the High court for trial.

Related Stories