Supreme Court Acquits Widow, Uganda Breweries Fined Shs 1.5bn

In a landmark decision, Uganda’s Supreme Court has acquitted Nakku Jackline of murder charges, allowing her to walk free after serving almost six years of an 18-year sentence. The court found the circumstantial evidence presented by lower courts insufficient to prove her involvement in the 2018 killing of her husband.

Jackline’s conviction was based on the argument that she had unlocked a door for assailants and failed to raise an alarm. However, the Supreme Court highlighted critical flaws, including a lack of forensic evidence linking her to the murder weapon and the possibility of alternative explanations for the unlocked door. The prosecution’s failure to call a key witness also contributed to the ruling.

Meanwhile, the government’s anti-corruption efforts saw four local government officials from Mitooma District and Mbarara City arraigned on charges of abuse of office and financial mismanagement. These officials face allegations related to incomplete construction projects and irregular financial dealings.

In a separate case, former Diaspora Affairs director Michael Katungi Mpeirwe was cleared for potential extradition to the United States to face drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges. 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. This ruling stems from the unlawful termination of a beer distribution contract, with the appellate court increasing the awarded damages after finding the initial High Court valuation insufficient.

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