Writes Leo odera Omolo In Kisumu City

Dozens of suspects accused of involvement in the July 11 twin bombings in Kampala appearing before the Nakawa Court in Kampala yesterday

Dozens of suspects accused of involvement in the July 11 twin bombings in Kampala appearing before the Nakawa Court in Kampala yesterday

ANOTHER 32 suspects were yesterday charged with terrorism, murder and attempted murder, following the July 11 bomb blasts which killed at least 79 people in Kampala. Four Kenyans had earlier been charged over the same offences.

Each of the suspects who appeared in court yesterday faces 78 capital offences. Among the accused were Ugandans, Kenyans, Somalis and a Pakistani.

They appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate Deo Sejjemba in a heavily guarded courtroom. About 60 armed security officers surrounded the court premises.

Edward Ochom, the head of criminal investigations, was in charge of security at the court.

The suspects arrived at the court in two batches, handcuffed and under heavy guard. Some walked with difficulty.

Some came aboard a passenger omni-bus taxi and saloon cars with tinted windows.

The prosecutor said each of the accused were responsible for the murder of the 60 people who died at Kyadondo Rugby Club and 15 at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala, where the bombs exploded. They also face three offences of terrorism and 10 of attempted murder.

Immediately after the accused were charged, the prosecutor applied to have them remanded in police cells for two weeks as opposed to taking them to Luzira Prison.

He explained that this would allow the Police easy access to the suspects for further investigation.

A big crowd gathered at the court but security refused them entry into the courtroom, except journalists and lawyers.

After the court proceedings, Police officers whisked the suspects away in 10 pick-up trucks to various Kampala police stations for further detention.

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