Abtex remanded to Luzira Prison over Freedom City stampede

Abtex remanded to Luzira Prison over Freedom City stampede
Lawyer Erias Lukwago and Abbey Musinguzi of Abtex at Makindye Magistrate’s Court.

Kampala, Uganda | URN | Abbey Musinguzi, the manager of Abtex Promotions and Marketing Agency has been remanded to Luzira Prison following the death of 10 revellers at the Freedom City Mall.

Musinguzi, 52 on Tuesday 3, January 2023 appeared before the Makindye Grade One Magistrate Igga Adiru. He was remanded until January 10.

Musinguzi faces nine counts of ‘Rush and Negligent’ act that led to the death of people contrary to Section 227 of the Penal Code Act.

According to particulars of the offense, Musinguzi and others still at large on December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2023, at Freedom City in a manner so rush or negligent endangered the lives of people by closing other outlets, leaving one small gate that could not be used by more than 20,000 people to move out safely.

Music promoter Abtex arrested over Freedom City Mall stampede
At least ten people were killed during a crowd surge at Freedom City Mall in Kampala during New Year’s Eve festivities

The dead are; Daniel Kibuuka, Ibrahim Kizito, Nakimati Nazama, Viola Nakanwagi, Mary Namyalo, Haddijja Nakakande, Kibuuka Daniella, Shafiq Mwane, and Margaret Nakatumba.

Abitex’s lawyer Erias Lukwago said that he had hoped that his client would be granted bail.

Lukwago expressed disappointment and described the proceedings against Musinguzi as ‘ironical’ arguing that the owner of Freedom City Mall, John Sebalamu, his manager, and police officers who were hired to provide security should equally be arraigned in court for acts of negligence.