Masaka Priest acquitted of murder charges as DPP lacks evidence

MASAKA, UGANDA: Popular Catholic priest Fr Richard Mugisha is finally a free man after the Regional Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Masaka district dropped criminal charges against him due to lack of evidence.

The man of God attached to Bisanje Parish was facing the murder charges together with Joseph Mutayomba, the chairperson of the security team at Bisanje Village.

Police had preferred murder charges against the duo for allegedly killing Ronald Kyeyune on October 13, 2021.

Police had accused Fr Mugisha and Mutayomba of beating up Kyeyune and inflicting wounds, which led to his death as he was being rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

In the wee hours of Wednesday 13, the deceased reportedly sneaked into Bisanje Parish and broke into Fr Mugisha’s car, a Toyota Harrier (Reg No UAX 815Y).

According to Mr Alexander Lule, a lawyer presenting the duo, his clients are now free after the state said that there is no evidence pinning them.

“My clients could no longer do their work effectively because of the severity of the offence which was preferred to them. We are happy that they are now free unless more evidence pinning them is being brought forward,” Mr Lule said.

Fr Mugisha said he is happy that the case has been closed.

“I am grateful to the Almighty God that my liberty is back to me due to the injustices that have been going on, the case which was opened is now closed. As God told us in the Bible, one day one time you will receive happiness again,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Southern Regional Spokesperson, Mr Muhammad Nsubuga has declined to comment on the development, saying he had not received any report from the southern  regional criminal investigations office regarding Fr Mugisha’s case .

“I will not comment today until Mr Innocent Mubangizi (the southern  regional criminal investigations officer) briefs me about what the State Attorney told him,” he said.