The Makindye Chief Magistrates have dismissed charges of negligence against talent manager and events promoter, Abbey Musigunzi, famously known as Abtex Promotions. The charges stemmed from a tragic incident during the "Party After Party" event held at Freedom City Mall on New Year's Day, where ten individuals lost their lives in a stampede.
Initial reports indicated that more than 500 revelers were present at the event organized by Abtex Promotions when the disaster unfolded. A stampede occurred as the Master of Ceremony urged the densely packed crowd to move outside to witness a fireworks display in the parking yard. This forced the crowd to surge through a narrow passage since four other exit routes had been sealed off by the organizers to prevent unauthorized access. Tragically, several attendees were trapped and crushed during the stampede.
Grade One Magistrate Igga Adiru made the unexpected decision to dismiss all 13 charges on Thursday, citing a crucial failure on the part of the Director of Public Prosecutions to produce a single witness willing to testify against Abtex and his co-accused, Elvis Francis Juuko, the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
The prosecution had alleged that Abtex, Juuko, and others acted carelessly by closing off most of the exits, leaving only one small gate that could not safely accommodate the enormous crowd of over 20,000 attendees. Amidst the ensuing chaos as people tried to enter the hall following the fireworks display, eleven individuals lost their lives, and two others suffered severe injuries.
The victims, whose lives were tragically cut short, included Margaret Nakatumba, Hadija Nakakande, Mary Namyalo, Ibrahim Kizito, Hakimati Hazama, Shafiq Mwanje, Viola Nakanwagi, and siblings Daniel Kibuuka and Kibuuka Daniella. Abtex and Juuko were initially apprehended by the police, remanded in Luzira Prison, and later released on bail. Throughout the legal proceedings, they vehemently maintained their innocence. Regrettably, the prosecution failed repeatedly to present witnesses against the accused.
During their recent court appearance, Magistrate Iga made the decision to dismiss all charges against both individuals, while also noting that the Director of Public Prosecutions could reopen the case should witnesses become available.
The decision to clear Abtex Promotions and Juuko of negligence charges came in response to a request from Musa Matovu, the lawyer representing the accused. Matovu argued that the prosecution had been indecisive and ill-prepared to provide evidence against his clients. He emphasized that Abtex had suffered both a loss of public trust and significant financial setbacks. Matovu also hinted at the possibility of pursuing a civil case to seek compensation, asserting that responsibility should not rest solely with the event organizers but should be shared with the District Police Commander, the building owner, and the private security company present at the event.
While this decision may provide temporary relief for Abtex Promotions and Elvis Francis Juuko, it does not erase the tragic events that occurred at the "Party After Party" event. The families of the victims continue to mourn their loved ones, and questions about event safety and crowd management persist. As the legal process unfolds, the spotlight will likely shift to other parties involved in this unfortunate incident.
In the aftermath of this verdict, the public and event organizers alike are reminded of the importance of prioritizing safety measures at large gatherings to prevent future tragedies.
