KAMPALA – Patrick Agaba aka Pato, the prime suspect in the murder of Susan Magara, has filed an application in the High Court seeking bail.
Agaba, who was recently extradited from South Africa, wants the court to release him temporarily pending the determination of the kidnap charges against him.
His lawyer, Mr Robert Mackay, said the State cannot continue to keep his client in custody for a bailable offence yet he has a family to feed.
Mr Agaba, through his lawyer, argues that offence with which he is charged needs adequate time and opportunity to prepare for his defence.
He adds that he needs regular and unlimited access to his lawyers which he will not be able to get if he remains on remand.
He maintains that he is a law-abiding citizen of good character with no previous criminal record, and will respect as well as comply with the bail terms as will be set by the court. He also says he has a permanent residence at Lower Mawanga Village Urban Council 1 Buziga Parish in Makindye Division.
The Deputy Registrar in charge of criminal matters, Ms Ikit Mary, has directed that Agaba be produced in court on July 30.
Agaba was in May this year extradited from South Africa to Uganda to be committed to the High court for trial over the alleged kidnap and murder of Susan Magara in February 2018.
However, he was taken to Makindye Chief Magistrate court and faced charges of kidnapping a one Alupo Joan Cora with intent to procure a ransom or benefit for her liberation from the danger of being murdered.
He is alleged to have committed this offence on May 1, 2013, at Muyenga ‘A’ Kironde Road in Kampala District. This is the very offence for which he wants the High court to allow him to be tried while coming from home.