The High Court in Ntungamo District on Tuesday evening convicted two family members for the murder of Tinbyetaho Brason Besigwa, a retired roads inspector with Ntungamo District Local Government, after they pleaded guilty.
Lady Justice Lillian Alium Omara, who presided over the session, sentenced Tinbyetaho’s wife, Tusiime Legina (67), and his son, Julius Muhwezi, following their admissions of participating in the killing of their family head. According to the charge sheet, the two convicts, while at their home in Kabahambi, Eastern Division, Ntungamo Municipality, on April 6, 2021, jointly killed the deceased in an incident that shocked the community.
Shortly after their conviction, Tusiime pleaded for leniency, citing her old age and a battle with cancer. She was handed a 10-year jail term. Muhwezi, who also pleaded guilty, told the court that he had six children left without support and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
While delivering the sentence, Justice Omara described the act as “deeply unfortunate,” noting that the wife, who should have guided and protected the family, instead took part in ending her husband’s life. She added that it was disturbing that Muhwezi orchestrated the murder of the very person he was expected to respect and protect.
The deceased’s brother, Nkwasibwe Aaron Opio, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentences, arguing that the convicts deserved harsher punishment to deter similar acts in the future. He also called on police to bring to court two other family members, Agumya Herbert and Kobugabe Betty, both children of the deceased, whom he believes were involved in the crime.
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