The terrorism trial of allegedAllied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamilu Mukulu resumed yesterday beforethe International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court in Kampala, with theprosecution presenting its first witness.
A panel of four judges; JusticeMichael Elubu, Justice Dr. Andrew Bashaija, Justice Susan Okalany, and JusticeStephen Mubiru, presided over the proceedings. The Court was assisted by HWJuliet Harty Hatanga, the Deputy Registrar in charge of the Division.
The prosecution witness gave adetailed account of a shooting incident that occurred on February 1, 2015. Hetold court that he had been with his uncle that evening when a motorcyclecarrying three men slowly passed through their compound. Moments later, thesame motorcycle returned with two men.
According to the witness, thepassenger briefly approached him before suddenly turning and shooting hisuncle, who died instantly. The gunman reportedly returned to fire additionalshots at the body before escaping with the motorcycle rider.
The witness said he was close enoughto observe the assailant clearly, describing him as small-bodied anddark-skinned. He testified that on February 4, 2015, he participated in anidentification parade where he recognised the attacker as the fourth personfrom the left. In court, he again pointed out Accused No. 1, Ali Kabambwe(Munakenya), as the same man he identified during the parade.
He added that police later arrivedat the crime scene but were chased away by angry residents who accused them ofresponding too late. The deceased's body was subsequently taken for postmortemexamination before burial.
The accused persons face multiplecounts, including terrorism, murder, and aggravated robbery. Several co-accusedhave already pleaded guilty and been sentenced, and therefore no longer appearin the ongoing trial.
According to the prosecution,between 2011 and 2014, the group allegedly acquired weapons, received trainingoutside Uganda, and staged a series of attacks. These include the killings ofMuslim clerics Sheikh Yunus Abubaker Mandanga and Sheikh Dakitoor Muwaya, aswell as the raid on Bugiri Police Station. The suspects were arrested fromdifferent locations across Uganda and Tanzania between 2014 and 2015.
Defence lawyer Caleb Alaka requestedadditional time to prepare for cross-examination. The court granted theadjournment.
The trial continues today, November18, 2025, as the prosecution proceeds with its case.
Posted 18th, November 2025
