Abitex faces 7 years in Jail, a 70,000 UGX fine or both if found guilty of negligence

Jan 4, 2023 - 10:08
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Abitex faces 7 years in Jail, a 70,000 UGX fine or both if found guilty of negligence

MAKINDYE - Events Promoter Abbey Musinguzi more commonly known as Abitex has been remanded to Luzira prison, following the Freedom City Mall disaster in which at least 10 people died on New Year’s Day.

He was on Tuesday afternoon arraigned before the magistrate’s court in Makindye and nine counts related to negligence leading to death of nine persons contrary to section 227 of the Penal Code Act were read to him.

The state prosecutor, Eunice Opia told court that the 52-year-old music promoter who was the organizer of the concert in a manner so rush and negligent caused the death of nine people by closing other outlets of the venue leaving only one small gate which could not allow over 20,000 people to move easily out of the concert venue.

Abitex however denied the charges but the state prosecutor said investigations into the matter are still ongoing. The trial grade one magistrate, Igga Adiru remanded the promoter until January, 10, 2023. Abitex was represented by Erias Lukwago from Lukwago and Company Advocates.

The law

Section 227 of the Penal Code Act states that any person who, by any rash or negligent act not amounting to manslaughter, causes the death of another person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or to a fine not exceeding seventy thousand shillings or to both such imprisonment and fine.

Section 228 states that any person who does any act with respect to, or omits to take proper precautions against, any probable danger, from any machinery of which he or she is solely or partly in charge of commits a negligent act.

John Kusolo John Kusolo, a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. I am passionate about my work with a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. Socials: John Kusolo on facebook and Twitter.