Freedom City: Abitex, MC Jjuuko freed on Shs 2m bail 

Events promoter Abbey Musinguzi alias Abitex and the master of ceremonies Francis Jjuuko Elvis have been granted bail by Makindye Magistrate’s court.

The duo is facing 13 counts of rush and neglect that led to the death of 11 people including 8 minors during the January 1 stampede at Freedom City mall. Court heard that during the end-of-year festivities, Abitex and Jjuuko negligently ordered over 20,000 revealers to go out and watch the fireworks after closing all the gates leaving a single entrance, which led to the deadly stampede.

Abitex and Jjuuko pleaded not guilty to the charges and applied for bail through their lawyer Erias Lukwago of Lukwago and Company Advocates. 

The state attorney, Carol Apio objected to bail applications on grounds that the state still needs over two weeks to carry out more investigations into the matter. Lukwago shot back saying that the stampede occurred 10 days back, which was enough time for the state to conclude its investigations.

“Abitex responded to police investigations when the incident happened, they recorded statements and police granted them bond, they also assured police to help the grieving families and the injured people they were cooperative and can’t disappear,” Lukwago told court. 

Grade one magistrate, Iga Adiru granted a Shs 2 million cash bail to the suspects and Shs 20 million non-cash security to their sureties. Following the release of his clients, Lukwago demanded that Freedom City Mall proprietor John Sebalaamu and the area police commander be arrested because they were directly responsible for managing the crowd and ensuring revellers’ safety.