[2008] UGHC 42

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\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11534610 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA HOLDEN AT KAMPALA \par CRIMINAL MISC. APPLICATION NO. 05 OF 2008 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11534610 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 MALIBANO ABDUL & Ano. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: APPLICANT}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11534610 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 VERSUS}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11534610 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 UGANDA :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RESPONDENT

\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 BEFORE: HON. JUSTICE J. P. M TABARO \par \par \par RULING}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12333622\charrsid11534610 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11534610 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 This morning the two accused persons/applicants Abdul Malibano, and Badru Mukasa, applied for relea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 e on bail pending trial. The DPP has been aware of the fixtures for hearing since 5-2-2008 but was not represented. There was no application for an adjournment and so hearing proceeded ex parte. Mr. V. Kwizera appears for the applicants. \par \par The applicants stand indicted for murder C/SS 188 and 189 of the Penal Code. On 19-4-2006 they were committed to High Court for trial. The grav}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 a}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 men of Mr. Kwizera\rquote s application is that the applicants have inordinately been kept }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 i}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 n custody without trial, and hence their constitutional right to speedy trial has been violated. The expression speedy trial is not defined in the constitution. \par \par The case of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 Uganda (DPP) Vs. Col (Rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 , }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 Constitutional Reference No. 20 of 2005}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 is authority for the proposition that whether or not bail is granted is a matter for the discretion of the Court. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13776526\charrsid11534610 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 The charge is capital and hence there is temptation to abscond if bail is granted. I am aware that bail can be granted i}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 n} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 capital offences but no general rule can be laid down. Each case must turn on its own merits or demerits. I have looked at the summary of evidence, which in my opinion }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 Cour}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 t is entitled to do}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 ,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 so long as the same judge does not preside over the trial. Prima facie there is ground for charging the accused \endash of course one cannot say whether at trial with cross examination the same will be said. Murder is a most grave criminal contravention and I would not lightly grant this application }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 i}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 n view of seriousness of the charge}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1143428\charrsid11534610 , and due to the fact that the accused persons have already been committed for trial}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 . \par \par I am alive to the fact that the applicants and the sureties reside in Mukono within the jurisdiction of Court. However, as is well known, this factor alone does not make bail automatic. The bail application }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5798628\charrsid11534610 i}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 s dismissed due to the gravity of the offence. As learned counsel for the applicants, Mr. Kwize ra, submitted speedy trial is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7956923\charrsid11534610 a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 constitutional requirement. I would urge the DPP to arrange, with the Deputy Registrar (Crime) of High Court, to fix a date for trial of the accused persons without further delay. But, in the meantime, the accused/applican ts shall be remanded in custody. \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 \par J. P. M. Tabaro \par Judge \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1143428\charrsid11534610 \par \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 14-4-2008 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 Later in the afternoon \par Accused/applicants before court. \par Mr. V. Kwizera for the applicants \par Counsel for the State not present. \par \par Ruling delivered. \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 J. P. M. Tabaro \par Judge \par 14-4-2008 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8142727\charrsid11534610 \par }}