The Kitgum Chief Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to popular musician and politician Bosmic Joyce Otim, who is facing charges of causing grievous harm.
Robert Ekirita, the Chief Magistrate remanded Bosmic Otim to Kitgum Government Prison until Tuesday next week when the hearing of his case will commence.
The bail application was denied after Otim failed to present an introductory letter from the Local Council One chairperson of his place of residence, as required to prove a clear and verifiable address.
According to the prosecution, the offense occurred on the 3rd of May this year at Corner Mission in Kitgum Municipality.
Otim and others still at large are accused of causing grievous harm to Alfred Joe Okello, also known as KD Kristo Hammer, social media blogger.
During the bail hearing, Otim, through his lawyer; Robert Okot of Awino, Openy, and Afwono & Company Advocates, presented three sureties to court.
However, the application hit a snag over residency documentation.
Otim told court that he has two places of residence: Lawiyadul in Gulu City and Corner Mission Cell in Kitgum Municipality.
But he instead presented an introductory letter from the LC1 Chairperson of Bajere East Village, which did not correspond with either of the addresses he mentioned.
Patrick Ojara, the Kitgum Senior Resident State Attorney opposed the bail application.
He told the court that while Otim had provided substantial sureties, bail guidelines require an accused person to clearly demonstrate a verifiable place of residence to ensure they can be easily traced during trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ekirita upheld the prosecution’s objection and denied bail, citing the discrepancy in residency documents as the key reason.
By Opoka Denis
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