The trial of suspects accused of kidnapping and murdering businesswoman Susan Magara has been adjourned after the prosecution informed court that key medical witnesses were unavailable to testify.
Appearing before court on Monday, State Prosecutor Joseph Kyomuhendo requested for another hearing date, saying the doctors expected to give evidence in the case could not appear as scheduled.
The case, which has attracted national attention, stems from the February 2023 abduction of 28-year-old Magara, who was kidnapped by unknown assailants while returning home in Lungujja, Lubaga Division, Kampala.
Prosecution alleges that Magara was held captive, tortured for about three weeks, and later killed after her family paid a ransom of more than Shs700 million demanded by her abductors.
The trial formally entered the witness examination stage in October 2023, with the prosecution presenting several witnesses, including Yusuf Muhindo, a senior Hansard editor at Parliament, Magara’s father John Magara, Police officer Sgt Enock Kiganyira, and her paternal aunt Flora Megara.
During his testimony, John Magara narrated the traumatic events surrounding his daughter’s disappearance, saying the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of $1 million (about Shs3 billion) for her release.
He told court that the family eventually paid $200,000 (about Shs700 million) but later received a package containing his daughter’s fingers. He also recounted receiving a phone call from President Yoweri Museveni informing him that Susan’s body had been recovered in Kigo.
Flora Megara also testified about how she delivered the ransom money to the kidnappers along Busabala Road as the family attempted to secure Susan’s release.
The accused persons facing trial include Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, Hajara Nakandi, Abubaker Kyewolwa, Mahad Kasalita, an Imam at Usafi Mosque, Hassan Kato Miiro, Musa Abbas Buwembo, and Ismail Bukenya.
The suspects are facing charges linked to the kidnapping and murder of Magara, whose death sparked public outrage and renewed debate about security and the rise of ransom-related crimes in Uganda.
Court is expected to resume hearing next week when the prosecution intends to present the pending medical witnesses.
