The Masaka High Court has delivered a judgment, sentencing Moses Makumbi, a former witch doctor for Kato Kajubi, and his assistant Dennis Kabuye to life imprisonment. They were found guilty of participating in the ritualistic murder of a young child.
Judge Victoria Nakintu Katamba presided over the trial, which revealed the chilling specifics of the crime committed against Passy Mirembe in Kayugi village, Nyendo Mukungwe Division, on October 23, 2017.
State Prosecutor Noah Kunya described the horrific violence inflicted on the child during the sentencing, particularly the brutal dismemberment of her limbs. He urged the court to impose the most severe punishment possible, suggesting the death penalty or hanging as a deterrent to others.
In contrast, defense counsel Alexander Lule Nkima defended Makumbi vigorously, highlighting his client’s old age and significant family obligations. Lule argued for a more lenient sentence, pointing out Makumbi’s role as the breadwinner for his four wives and 71 children.
Following the defense’s arguments, Judge Nakintu invited the deceased’s parents to present their case. Moses Karangwa, the bereaved father, pleaded with the court to order Makumbi to return his daughter’s remains, especially her head, for a proper burial.
As Judge Nakintu announced the verdict, she detailed the gruesome circumstances of Mirembe’s death, including the ruthless removal of her limbs and internal organs.
Despite the defense lawyer’s intention to appeal the court’s decision due to dissatisfaction with the ruling, the verdict brought a sense of closure and relief to the parents and residents.
Moses Karangwa, with tears in his eyes, expressed his relief, saying that their daughter can now rest in peace.
In 2012, city tycoon Godfrey Kato Kajubi was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for hiring witch doctor Umar Kateregga and his wife Mariam Nabukeera to ritually kill 12-year-old Joseph Kasirye.