Solomon Herbert Kaddu, the man who attempted to attack Namirembe Diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira during the last year’s Easter service has been acquitted of inciting violence and disturbing religious assemblies. However, he will be jailed as a criminal lunatic.
Rubaga Grade One Magistrate Joel Wagoye said that Kaddu was found to be suffering from bipolar, a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings.
The evidence of his condition was acknowledged by Dr Irene Apio, a Psychiatrist from Butabika Mental Hospital who presented documentary proof that Kaddu has been receiving mental health services from Butabika since 1998.
In his judgement, the magistrate said that Kaddu was not guilty by reason of insanity and as such, he will be kept in prison until the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs determines that he is fit to be in public.
The Prosecution had earlier presented two letters alleging that Kaddu was mentally examined and found to be sane and fit to face trial. However, the Magistrate ruled that the prosecution never presented a surgeon to confirm that Kaddu was mentally sane.
According to Ugandan law, one cannot be liable for actions committed when he had mental illnesses. Kaddu’s troubles started on April 1 last year, when he charged towards Bishop Luwalira who was at the pulpit in Namirembe Cathedral. He was armed with a stick and a piece of the backcloth.
