In a significant legal development, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has petitioned the Court of Appeal to reject an appeal lodged by Godfrey Wamala, widely known as Troy, who is challenging a 14-year prison sentence imposed on him for his involvement in the tragic demise of popular singer Moses Ssekibogo, better known as Mowzey Radio.
State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo has officially requested the Court to dismiss Troy’s appeal, citing his apparent lack of commitment to pursuing the matter. Kyomuhendo highlighted that since the filing of the notice of appeal, Troy and his legal team have not provided the essential documents outlining the grounds for their appeal.
Troy Wamala was convicted in October 2019 by Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, based on compelling evidence that supported the charges of manslaughter against him. The prosecution’s case revolved around the events of January 22, 2018, when Mowzey Radio visited De Bar, an establishment owned by George Egesa in Entebbe. Radio’s presence was at the invitation of Pamela Musiimire, a female friend.
Accompanied by renowned producer Washington and his colleague Muhammed Ategek, Mowzey joined Pamela, her sister Rina Namugumya, and friends Hassan Muwonge, Agnes Nakanwagi, Xavier Rukera, and Wamala. However, an unfortunate exchange occurred as Radio jokingly referred to Egesa as unable to afford drinks, leading to tensions.
Prosecution evidence indicated that Egesa’s anger prompted him to ask Hassan to remove Radio from De Bar. At this juncture, it’s alleged that Wamala grabbed Radio and forcefully brought him to the ground, resulting in severe head injuries.
Despite efforts to save his life, Radio succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to multiple medical facilities. Wamala evaded authorities but eventually surrendered through his sister Jackie Kayaga Muwanga’s intervention.
Following a comprehensive trial, Justice Abodo’s ruling stated that although the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Wamala killed Radio, it was established that he participated in the altercation that ultimately led to the artist’s tragic demise. Consequently, Wamala was handed a 14-year prison sentence.
Troy Wamala initiated his appeal on November 8, 2019, through legal representatives from Rwakafuuzi and Company Advocates. The appeal, which has reached the Court of Appeal after four years, is being heard by a panel of three justices: Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, and Monica Mugenyi.
Kyomuhendo further noted that all court records necessary for Wamala to frame his appeal’s grounds were provided, yet no response was received.
In response, Wamala cited incomplete evidence from the High Court that prevented his new lawyer, Sylvia Namawejje, from effectively following up on the case. Wamala conveyed that he had written multiple letters to the Registrar since 2021 to obtain the missing information, but no feedback was received.
Wamala contended that the missing information, understood only by him and Kyomuhendo, could potentially be pivotal in disposing of the entire case. The Court of Appeal Registrar Lillian Bucyana confirmed that the necessary documents were available, but Wamala’s lawyer did not appear in court as expected.
The Court of Appeal granted Wamala’s request for an adjournment until the next convenient session.
