Kampala 08/October/2015; Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Sarah Kaitesi Kisakye yesterday, 7th October 2015 gave prosecution the last adjournment to produce its last witness against a police officer, Joram Mwesigye who beat up and seriously injured a WBS TV journalist Andrew Lwanga.
“The case is adjourned to 27th October 2015 for further hearing. I have granted the last adjournment” Magistrate kaitesi said. The State Attorney earlier on told court that there was no witness in court. The Investigating Officer, Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Moreen Angenyo, was expected to testify against Mwesigye but did not appear in court.
Mwesigye, the former District Police Commander, Old Kampala is charged with assaulting Andrew Lwanga a WBS TV journalist, on 12th January 2015, who was covering a demonstration by a group of unemployed youths in Kampala. Lwanga sustained serious injuries as a result of the beatings. So far four witnesses have testified against Mwesigye. The Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, suspended Mwesigye pending his trial.
“We are disappointed by Police and the Directorate of Public Prosecution who have a lot of time and resources, to prepare and produce witnesses in court but have rather shown disinterest in producing the investigating officer (IO) who also happens to be the last prosecution witness in this matter.” said Robert Ssempala the National Coordinator, Human Rights Network for Journalists.
