‎Soroti High Court rules out re-cross examination in Joan Faith Apio murder case

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that the High Court in Soroti has refused a request by a newly appointed defence lawyer to recall two juvenile prosecution witnesses in the murder trial of seven-year-old Joan Faith Apio. Justice Boniface Wamala dismissed the application on Wednesday, finding that the defence had not shown any specific weakness in the earlier questioning of the witnesses.

The application was made by Muminu Magonu, who had just taken over the defence of police officer John Bosco Obotol. Obotol is being tried alongside school directors Joseph Okedi and Suzan Vivian Ariokot Okedi, headteacher James Edoket, cook Valentine Opio and matron Osula Adong. They face charges linked to Apio’s death after her body was found in a pit latrine at Jozan Nursery and Primary School on February 5, 2025.

According to the report, Magonu asked for access to trial proceedings and sought to have the two minors brought back for further cross-examination, citing the Evidence Act. Prosecutors opposed the request, saying Obotol had been represented by state-brief lawyers during the trial, had consulted them, and had not complained about their work. They also argued that recalling the young witnesses could cause further distress and delay the case.

Justice Wamala ruled that the trial would continue from its current stage rather than restart because of the new lawyer’s entry. The prosecution then called more witnesses, and the matter was adjourned to Thursday, July 30, for continuation. The Independent also reported that the two juveniles, identified as A6 and A7, had earlier been discharged after admitting involvement and were converted into prosecution witnesses.