Bujjingo’s bigamy case
The High Court in Kampala will on Friday January 28, 2022 hear an application filed by City lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi challenging a decision by the Director of Public Prosecution – DPP’s decision to take over the trial of Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo.
On Monday this week, Mabirizi filed a petition at the High Court seeking to block the DPP from pursuing the the criminal case before the Entebbe Magistrates Court. His decision followed a move by the DPP to take over a consolidated case filed at Entebbe Grade One Magistrate’s Court by him and another lawyer identified as Robert Rutaro. The duo instituted private prosecution proceedings against Bujjingo and his lover Susan Makula over their alleged traditional marriage ceremony.
The DPP recently announced it was taking over the case. In a letter dated January 12, 2022, to Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court, the DPP asked Mabirizi and his co-counsel to provide information and documents regarding the cases.
Mabirizi and Rutaro in their application argued that DPP’s decision contravenes the Magistrates’ Courts Act, as well as sections of the 1995 Constitution.
Bujjingo’s bigamy case
Pastor Bujjingo, head of House of Prayer Ministries in Kampala, allegedly committed bigamy when he was reportedly introduced by Makula in a customary marriage at her home in Kawuku, Wakiso district on December 7, 2021.
Bujjingo is accused of contracting marriage by customary law with Makula when already married to Teddy Naluswa under the Marriage Act.
He also sued Bujjingo’s lover Makula for marrying him, knowing too well that he was already legally married to another woman. Entebbe Grade One Magistrate Stella Okwong Paculal charged Bujjingo on two counts, and Makula on one count.
