Two Ugandans Accused In Deadly Stampede Granted Bail

The promoter of a deadly New Year's Eve event and the concert MC appeared in court on Tuesday, January 10.

They were granted bail after the hearing by the Makindge Magistrates Court.

The Defense lawyer called for an impartial application of the law.

Abby Musinguzi, the promoter, and Elvis Francis Juuko, the MC, are still accused of several offences, including neglect.

The defence attorney clarified more in a statement made outside the Kampala courthouse.

"They were arraigned on 13 counts of causing death or injuries to several people on account of being negligent and indulging in what they called ‘rash act’.

"So, those are the charges. So, each victim constituted a count that’s why they are many," Elias Lukwago said.

In the stampede at the Freedom City mall in the capital, thousands packed through one exit to witness a midnight fireworks display and ten individuals, mostly youngsters, lost their lives.

Three persons have been apprehended as a result of the sad event thus far.

Elias Lukwago demanded that the law be applied fairly.

"They will not get justice with the selective application of the law we are witnessing here. 

"They will not get justice with the police coming up with trumped-up charges against the weak. The weak, that is Abitex and his co-accused. 

"And will not get justice as long as the owner of the premises is being shielded away from the long arm of the law together with the manager and all the police officers who were on duty.

"So, basically that is our call, that is our demand."

More suspects, including the mall owner/proprietor, have been called to come before the investigative team; if they do not, they will be detained, according to the deputy police spokesperson.

The relatives of the deceased were granted five million Ugandan shillings ($1,340) by Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, to help with burial costs.