Inside Plan!! How Man Who Murdered Felix Kaweesi Was Bailed Out 6 Years Ago After His Arrest

After nearly six years of silence, disappearance, and delay, the High Court’s International Crimes Division has ruled that Balyejusa Bruhan Kalyango, alias Masiga, a key suspect in the high-profile assassination of former police spokesperson AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, will be tried in absentia.

The court, comprising Justices Dr. Winifred Nabisinde, Susan Okalany, Richard Wejuli Wabwire, and Dr. Andrew Bashaija (alternate), found that Kalyango had deliberately absconded after being granted bail in 2019.

Since then, he has not appeared in court, stopped reporting to authorities, sold his house, and abandoned all known residences—an action the court says amounts to waiving his right to be heard.

“Justice must not be hostage to those who manipulate the system. A criminal justice system cannot allow impunity by pausing trials indefinitely for absconders,” the justices stated in their landmark decision.

Kalyango, alongside seven other accused persons, faces multiple grave charges: terrorism, aggravated robbery, belonging to a terrorist organisation, and the 2017 murder of AIGP Kaweesi, a case that sparked national outrage and has since dragged through the courts with no resolution.

According to lead prosecutor Lino Anguzu and Senior State Attorney Marion Ben-Bella, Kalyango “used his freedom to escape justice,” ignoring court summons and public notices issued over the years.

His disappearance has not only derailed the trial but also unfairly affected his co-accused, who remain in custody.

“He vanished without a trace. This is not negligence; it’s a calculated evasion of justice,” Anguzu submitted.

The court pointed to precedents—including Uganda vs Hon. Herbert Kabafunzaki—asserting that a mentally sound accused who disappears without explanation forfeits their right to be present at their own trial.

To safeguard his right to legal representation, the court has appointed top criminal defence lawyers Caleb Alaka and Evans Ochieng on state brief.

The offences carry a maximum death sentence, underscoring the urgency of resuming trial without further delay. The justices warned that continuing to delay the case would risk loss of crucial evidence, undermine public trust, and trample on the co-accused’s right to a fair and speedy trial.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. This trial must proceed—for the victims, for the public, and for the integrity of our justice system,” the court said.