By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Dr. Matthew Kirabo has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Desire Mirembe, his girlfriend.
Kirabo was this afternoon, 21st November, 2023 sentenced by Justice Henry Isabirye Kaweesa, presiding at the High Court in Mukono.
Matthew Kirabo had earlier on in 2021 been convicted in absentia by the same High Court at Mukono of the murder of one Desire Mirembe, his girlfriend in 2015.
It was alleged by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that on 10th to 11th July 2015, at Lugazi Kawolo Buikwe District, Dr. Mathew Kirabo intentionally killed his girlfriend, Desire Mirembe.
That on the night of 10th/11th July, Dr. Mathew Kirabo who had a rocky relationship with Desire Mirembe, lured her to Nakumatt Oasis Mall under the pretext that he was going to discuss their souring relationship. Dr. Mathew Kirabo met Desire Mirembe at Cafe Javas where they had a few eats and then went to the Nakumatt parking.
At the parking they had an argument. At about 10:00pm, Dr. Mathew Kirabo drove Desire Mirembe in a car towards Jinja on Kampala-Jinja Highway, branched off 50 meters off the highway into Lugazi Sugarcane Plantations where he slit Desire Mirembe’s neck. Desire’s body was recovered on 11th July 2015 by local residents who saw the body lying in the sugar plantation.
Dr. Mathew Kirabo later reported to the Police and was arrested. Through video recording and charge and caution statement, he confessed to have killed Desire. Trial commenced in the absence of the accused with Chief State Attorney, Happiness Ainebyona representing the Office of the DPP.
She led 13 witnesses and the accused who had been on bail jumped bail. His sureties paid their bond of 150 million shillings. Prosecution applied to proceed with the trial in the absence of the accused. The application was granted hence the conclusion of the case with 15 witnesses testifying for prosecution.
