Mathew Kanyamunyu, a prominent businessman in Kampala, has regained his freedom after completing a five-year prison term for the manslaughter of child rights activist Kenneth Akena.
In November 2020, Kanyamunyu was sentenced to four years in prison after his murder charge was reduced to manslaughter. This decision came after he pleaded guilty and reached a plea bargain agreement with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
On Friday, Kanyamunyu was officially released from custody, confirmed by Frank Baine, the spokesperson for the prisons. Baine stated that Kanyamunyu had served his full sentence and was discharged for reintegration into society.
During the sentencing, High Court Judge Stephen Mubiru considered several factors, including Kanyamunyu’s remorse and efforts to save Akena’s life after the shooting. Mubiru noted that Kanyamunyu, aged 43 at the time, was a first-time offender and had promptly sought medical help for Akena, demonstrating his realization of the severity of his actions.
In an update on Friday, the prison’s spokesperson explained that although Kanyamunyu had originally been slated for release in December 2025, he benefited from remission time earned for good behaviour and diligence during his incarceration. Consequently, Kanyamunyu’s earliest discharge date was determined to be April 12, 2024.
