High Court in Kisoro, presided over by Resident Judge Hon. Justice Emokor Samuel, has scheduled the judgment day for Baseme Ibrahim, a 23-year-old individual accused of murdering Barugahare Kosima on December 7, 2018, in Nyatete Trading Center, Chihe Parish, Nyakinama Sub County. The judgment is set to take place on June 21, 2023.
At the age of 19, Ibrahim Baseme allegedly assaulted Barugahare Kosima, leading to his demise in 2018.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred near Kwaratuhe Anthony’s bar, where both individuals had been consuming alcohol.
Eyewitnesses presented in court stated that the two were separated, and the accused promptly left the scene. Kosima (now deceased) briefly returned to the bar before deciding to go home.
Witnesses further revealed that at approximately 11:50 PM, the deceased was found lying helplessly in a pool of blood, having suffered a severe head wound.
Anthony and Earnest rushed him to Kisoro Hospital for immediate treatment, after which he was transferred to St. Francis Hospital, Mutolere. Sadly, the following morning, he was taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he passed away.
Justice Emokor highlighted that the prosecution seeks to convict Baseme on the charges of murder, as the evidence presented in court convincingly establishes his responsibility for the death of Barugahare.
In his defense, Baseme claimed that he did not engage in a fight with the deceased and only learned of his death after being arrested.
During their assessment of the case, the high court assessors, Mrs. Zerida Sendegeya and Mr. Rwagyeyo, also recommended dismissing his defense and convicting him. They highlighted that the deceased was found injured on the same night that the quarrel occurred, and Baseme had locked himself in his house, from where he was eventually apprehended.
Resident Judge Hon. Justice Emokor Samuel adjourned the proceedings until June 21 this year when he will deliver his judgment.
