A MAN accused of murdering his wife by hitting her in the head with a sledgehammer, had contacted a witch doctor, a court has heard.

George Kibuuka, had sought the help of a “traditional healer” in is native Uganda in the month before he killed his wife Margaret at their Southampton home.

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Winchester Crown Court heard evidence from Kibuuka's close friend, Fredrick Kamya, who agreed it was “a surprise” when he found out, believing Kibuuka would have sought professional medical help if he had been unwell.

Jurors heard how Mr Kamya last saw Kibuuka when he returned to Uganda in 2009, and Mr Kamya was present at one of two meetings that had been called to discuss Kibuuka’s marriage problems.

Giving evidence, having flown in from Uganda, Mr Kamya, a friend of Kibuuka said; “There were troubles in the marriage, so he wanted us, the long time friends, to see if we could help bring long term peace back into the marriage.”

Mr Kamya told the court the meeting took place at the home of Margaret’s mother, Christine, where it became clear George’s “extra-martial affairs” were a reason for the breakdown and why Margaret was seeking a divorce.

He said Margaret was adamant they were to separate and she wished to stay living in the family home with their children, but Kibuuka was “strongly against that”.

The court heard from Kibuuka’s friend Charles Sserunjogi, who told jurors how Kibuuka’s mood had changed during the meeting, at which he was also present, saying: “George was not himself, he was not happy.”

Kibuuka denies one count of murder and three charges of drugging his children.

Proceeding.