By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
Senior accountant Dr. Francis Onebe and his co-accused, security guard Bonny Oriekot, will now be required to defend themselves against charges of murdering Onebe’s wife, Immaculate Asio Mary Blessing Onebe.
The High Court in Kampala on Friday ruled that the two have a case to answer after Justice Andrew Khaukha found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.
The decision followed the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, in which 17 witnesses testified and were cross-examined by the defence.
Prosecution alleges that Onebe, Oriekot and others still at large, between January and September 2021, unlawfully caused the death of Immaculate at Mawanga Zone, Munyonyo, in Kampala’s Makindye Division.
Her decomposing body was later recovered from a septic tank at the couple’s matrimonial home in Munyonyo.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Khaukha said the evidence before court was sufficient to require the accused persons to answer the allegations. He noted that the trial had initially been handled by Justice Michael Elubu before he took over the case around the time the 13th prosecution witness testified.
The judge said the remaining four witnesses testified after he took over the proceedings.
Following the ruling, Chief State Attorney, Joseph Kyomuhendo told court that the State had closed its case and asked that Onebe and Oriekot be placed on their defence.
Prosecutor Sharifah Nalwanga also asked the defence to disclose its evidence and list of witnesses ahead of the next stage of the trial, citing Section 76 of the Trial on Indictments Act.
Defence lawyer, Patrick Kasumba assured court that the defence would comply with the disclosure requirements. He said the team would serve the prosecution with its evidence and witness list within the stipulated period.
Onebe, 63, and Oriekot, 26, have maintained their innocence.
The High Court registrar will communicate the dates for the defence hearing.
The ruling is not a finding of guilt. It means the court has found sufficient evidence at this stage for the accused persons to be called upon to give their defence.
