KAMPALA: The High Court in Kampala has found senior accountant Dr Francis Onebe and his former security guard, Bonny Oriekot, with a case to answer over the murder of Onebe’s wife, Asio Mary Immaculate Onebe.
Justice Andrew Khaukha delivered the ruling on Friday after the prosecution concluded its case, finding that the evidence presented had established a prima facie case against the two accused.
The prosecution called 17 witnesses, all of whom were cross-examined by the defence.
Justice Khaukha noted that the trial had initially been presided over by Justice Michael Elubu before he took over the case around the time the 13th prosecution witness testified.
Onebe, 63, and Oriekot, 26, are accused of murdering Immaculate Mary Aiso between January and September 2021 at Mawanga Zone, Munyonyo, in Kampala’s Makindye Division.
Prosecution alleges that the two men, together with others still at large, unlawfully caused her death with malice aforethought.
The case attracted widespread attention after the decomposing body of the deceased was discovered inside a septic tank at the couple’s home in Munyonyo.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that police detectives discovered the body while searching the home as part of investigations into Immaculate’s disappearance. DNA testing later confirmed the identity of the remains.
Following the ruling, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo told court that the prosecution had closed its case and asked that the accused persons be ordered to defend themselves.
Prosecutor Sharifah Nalwanga also asked the defence to disclose the evidence and list of witnesses it intends to rely on, citing Section 76 of the Trial on Indictments Act.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kasumba told court that the defence would comply with the disclosure requirements within the stipulated period.
The two accused will now enter the defence stage of the trial, where they will have an opportunity to present their evidence and call witnesses.
The High Court registrar will communicate the dates for the hearing of the defence case.
Friday’s ruling does not amount to a conviction. It only means that, having considered the prosecution evidence at this stage, the court found sufficient grounds requiring Onebe and Oriekot to answer the murder allegations.