Why Kanyamunyu was released from prison

Matthew Kanyamunyu, a Kampala businessman, has been released after completing his sentence for the 2016 shooting death of child rights activist Kenneth Akena.

Originally sentenced to five years and one month, Kanyamunyu served three years and five months with remission. Uganda Prisons authorities confirmed his release on Friday morning.

"He is being integrated back into society after serving his punishment," said Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service.

"We are optimistic he will not re-offend." Baine stated Kanyamunyu's release followed standard procedures for any prisoner.

Kanyamunyu pleaded guilty to manslaughter in November 2020. Murder charges against his girlfriend, Cynthia Munwangari, who was present during the incident, were dropped by the DPP.

Initially denying murder charges, Kanyamunyu changed his plea to guilty in August as the trial progressed and evidence mounted. This shift accelerated the case's resolution.

Reports indicate Kanyamunyu privately approached Acholi cultural leaders and elders to reconcile with Akena's family, a move consistent with the traditional justice practice of "mato-oput" and potentially a factor in his guilty plea.