Supreme Court Acquits Murder Convict, Uganda Breweries Fined Shs 1.5 Billion

In a landmark decision, Uganda’s Supreme Court has acquitted Nakku Jackline of murder, ending her nearly six-year prison sentence. Jackline was convicted in 2019 for the killing of her husband, based on circumstantial evidence suggesting she may have facilitated the entry of attackers. However, the Supreme Court found the evidence insufficient, noting a lack of forensic links and the failure to call a key witness.

The court highlighted critical flaws in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of Jackline’s DNA on the murder weapon and the possibility that the unlocked door was not indicative of foul play. The justices emphasized that the lower courts did not adequately consider alternative explanations. With no evidence of a criminal conspiracy, the Supreme Court ordered Jackline’s immediate release.

In other legal developments, four local government officials from Mitooma District and Mbarara City were arraigned on charges of abuse of office and financial mismanagement. These arrests follow a government campaign to expose corruption within local administrations. The accused allegedly engaged in irregular payments and approvals related to school construction and market licensing.

Meanwhile, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has paved the way for the potential extradition of Michael Katungi Mpeirwe, a former director for Diaspora Affairs, to the United States. Katungi faces serious charges in the U.S. related to drug trafficking and supporting a designated foreign terrorist organization. The court dismissed claims of diplomatic immunity, ruling that his past service did not exempt him from extradition.

In a commercial dispute, the Court of Appeal has ordered Uganda Breweries Limited to pay Shs 1.594 billion to Seroy Airport Hotel Limited. The ruling stems from the unlawful termination of a beer distribution contract, which led to significant financial losses for the hotel. The appellate court increased the initial award, citing underestimation of the hotel’s damages, including lost investments in infrastructure and unrecovered credit sales.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/court-clears-widow-of-murder-uganda-breweries-fined-shs-1-5bn