The High Court in Kampala commences another trial involving senior accountant Francis Onebe, who stands accused of murdering his wife, Immaculate Asio Onebe.

Onebe is jointly indicted alongside Bonny Oriekot, a security guard employed by Pentagon Security Company, owned by Onebe and his deceased wife.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty before Judge Michael Elubu, who presides over the criminal division of the High Court.

During the opening statements, the prosecution's Joseph Kyomuhendo presented evidence alleging that the two accused individuals committed the murder in January 2021.

According to police reports, Onebe and Asio had a daughter together, while Onebe had four children from previous relationships. However, it was revealed that Asio faced challenges in her relationship with her stepchildren and certain in-laws. Allegedly, she was accused of discrimination and withholding access to the family's wealth, as well as employing only her relatives in the family business, Pentagon Security Company.

In January 2021, Onebe, residing in Mawanga zone, Munyonyo Makindye division, reported his wife missing at Kabalagala police station. He informed the authorities that a security guard at home had notified him that Asio had gone to a nearby stall to buy food but had not returned.

During this time, Onebe made concerted efforts to find his missing wife, going so far as to publish her picture in newspapers and place TV advertisements.

As the incident occurred during a political season, speculations arose that Immaculate Onebe had been abducted by the infamous "security drone car" and was being held captive.

It was only after an extensive search, conducted by the police in the surrounding area and the couple's marital home, that the decomposing body of Immaculate Onebe was discovered in a septic tank. A tip-off from an informant alerted the police to Onebe's plan to flee to Nairobi, resulting in his arrest in September 2021 as the prime suspect in his wife's murder.

On Tuesday, the prosecution presented its first witness, Richard Ambayo, a police surgeon.