Saturday , April 20 2024
Home / NEWS / Court Martial remands two suspects over murder of police officers

Court Martial remands two suspects over murder of police officers

Court Martial boss Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe. File Photo

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two more suspects have appeared before the Makindye-based General Court Martial in connection to the murder of four policemen in Mityana and Kiboga districts about a year ago. The suspects are Benon Kisekka, a resident of Kinonya Masanafu in Kampala district, and Kassim Kibirango Muwanga, a resident of Busiro in Wakiso district.

The General Court-Martial Chairperson, Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe read for the accused four counts of murder, two for aggravated robberies, and treachery. This brings to 21, the number of suspects charged in this matter.

Those charged earlier are Issa Kizito alias Commander Muto, Stuart Lugendo, Savio Paul, Julius Mulinda, Muhammad Nyanzi Makumbi, Godfrey Agodri and Paul Lyamuremye.

The others are Alex Bogere, Bob Robert Ssenyonga, John Masembe, Faizo Miti, Hakim Ssenyonjo, Sylvester Matovu, Derick Kawuma, Tonny Ssekayombya, Sam Sengonzi Lwanga, Tonny Sseguya, Robert Wamala, Joram Gamwosi, and Arthur Ndawula.

Court heard that between November and December 2021, the suspects and others still at large as agents of the Uganda National Coalition, a force that is reportedly engaged in warlike activities against the government of Uganda, recruited people and attacked security posts for purposes prejudicial to the security of Uganda.

According to the prosecution, the suspects committed the crimes in diverse places in Wakiso, Mityana, and Kiboga districts. The military court also heard Monday that the accused persons and others still at large on December 7, 2021 while at Ssebobo village in Mityana district caused the unlawful death of Corporal Alfred Okech and Police Constable Moses Kigongo and took off with their firearms, each with 30 rounds of ammunition.

The military prosecutors further allege that on the same day, some of the accused persons and others still at large also caused the unlawful death of Special Police Constable Francis Ddimba at Nakasozi Police Post in Nakasengere in Kiboga district. They reportedly returned on December 16th, 2021 at Nakasozi Police Post and killed Corporal Francis Nsubuga. All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution which has already presented 11 witnesses in the matter asked the court for an adjournment to October 3rd, 2022 for further hearing. Brigadier Mugabe further remanded the accused to Luzira prison.

Evidence from previous witnesses indicates that the deceased police officers in Mityana met their death while following a false complaint reported by Commander Muto. He reportedly lured the policemen to escort him to pursue people who had allegedly stolen his cash worth 500,000 Shillings for purchasing tomatoes. The officers were killed along the way and their firearms were stolen.

*****
URN

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *