Rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka is carried by his relatives after court acquitted him of charges of murdering Pastor Steven Mugambe and his family last week. PHOTO BY GERTRUDE MUTYABA
By IVAN KIMBOWA & MARTINS E. SSEKWEYAMA
Posted
Monday, December 28
2015 at
02:00
In Summary
Reason. The family says they have been receiving death threats to withdraw a case against alleged masterminds of Pastor Mugambe’s murder.
Rakai. Family members of slain Pastor Steven Mugambe in Rakai District have sought police protection after court acquitted two men accused of masterminding his killing.
Masaka High Court last Wednesday acquitted rally ace Ponsiano Lwakataka and Emmanuel Zzinda of the murder of Mugambe and seven members of his family after prosecution failed to provide evidence against the accused. The duo had been on remand for one-and-a- half years.
However, Mr Willy Kalyango, the late Mugambe’s elder brother, told journalists on Friday that they have been receiving anonymous calls, warning them to either withdraw the case or face “serious repercussions”.
The claims
“This state of fear has already forced some family members to abandon their homes in Mutegombwa zone in Kyebe Sub-county and are currently staying with other relatives in other areas for safety,” Mr Kalyango said.
He added that they are dissatisfied with the court ruling, saying they are planning to appeal. “We have secured a lawyer to appeal against the ruling,” he added.
Mr Lawrence Kato, another family member, claimed the threats may hinder their attempts to appeal against the ruling.
“The state should also respect our interests of pursuing the case until a fair judgement is delivered. We have orphans that still want to know the killers of their parents,’ Mr Kato said.
But Mr Isaac Mugera, the officer in-charge of Kasensero Police Station, said none of the family members has reported the matter to police.
Mr Mugera assured the family of police protection.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com
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