KAMPALA, Uganda — A 40-year-old woman has been charged and remanded to Luzira prison in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son.
Jolin Kanoheri Rugari appeared before a Grade One Magistrate at Nakawa Court on Saturday, where she was read a charge of murder, but was not allowed to enter a plea.
Rugari, a housewife residing in Mutungo Zone 8, is accused of unlawfully killing Nganwa Rugari between April 1 and April 2. The case comes amid what authorities described as contentious divorce proceedings between Rugari and her husband, Chris Rugari, a Ugandan diplomat.
Also charged was Robinah Nabanja, 24, a housemaid, who faces a separate charge of being an accessory after the fact to murder.
Presiding Magistrate Frank Namanya informed the accused that his court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. “I need to inform you that this court has no jurisdiction to hear your case so you are not required to answer to the charges. I am reading the charges for you to understand the charges against you,” Namanya said.
Despite Kanoheri Rugari’s assertion in court that she did not murder her child, the magistrate maintained his court’s lack of jurisdiction, stating the purpose of the hearing was solely for the suspects to understand the charges against them.
“You will have time when investigations are complete and appear before the High Court which has jurisdiction where you will take a plea and that is when you will tell the trial judge whether it is true or not,” Namanya said.
Prosecutors allege that Nabanja assisted Kanoheri Rugari, knowing about the murder, to enable her to avoid punishment.
Prosecutor Mahatma Odongo told the court that inquiries into the matter were ongoing and requested that both defendants be remanded. He asked for the matter to be scheduled for further mention.
Defense lawyer David Kamukama urged the state to expedite the investigation. Odongo responded that the defense was aware the state has six months to conclude investigations and commit the accused to the High Court.
In his ruling, Namanya adjourned the matter until May 6 for further mention and remanded both accused individuals until that date.
