The High Court in Kampala has ruled that senior accountant Dr Francis Onebe and his co-accused, security guard Bonny Oriekot, have a case to answer over the murder of Onebe’s wife, Asio Mary Immaculate Onebe.
Justice Andrew Khaukha delivered the ruling on Friday after the prosecution closed its case and asked court to put the two accused persons on their defence.
The judge said the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Onebe and Oriekot after presenting 17 witnesses during the trial. The witnesses were cross-examined by the defence.
Prosecution alleges that between January and September 2021, at Mawanga Zone in Munyonyo, Makindye Division, Kampala District, Onebe, Oriekot and others still at large unlawfully caused the death of Immaculate Onebe Mary Aiso with malice aforethought.
Her decomposing body was later discovered inside a septic tank at the couple’s matrimonial home in Munyonyo.
Justice Khaukha said he had taken over the trial from Justice Michael Elubu around the time the 13th prosecution witness testified. Four more witnesses subsequently testified under his supervision, bringing the total number of prosecution witnesses to 17.
Following the ruling, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo told court that the prosecution had formally closed its case.
Prosecutor Sharifah Nalwanga asked the defence to disclose the evidence and list of witnesses it intends to rely on during the defence stage, citing Section 76 of the Trial on Indictments Act.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kasumba said the defence would comply with the disclosure requirements and serve the prosecution with its evidence and witness list within the stipulated period.
Onebe, 63, and Oriekot, 26, will now have an opportunity to present their defence. The High Court registrar will communicate the dates for the next stage of the trial.
The ruling does not mean the two men have been convicted. It means that, at this stage of the proceedings, the court has found sufficient evidence requiring them to answer the murder allegations.
