The Muhooti Barracks military court in Fort Portal has sentenced two civilians, Peter Basara (26) and Gideon Mugisa (31), to 30 years in prison for aggravated robbery and attempted murder. The verdict, delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Benon Besigye, the court’s chairperson, included concurrent sentences of 7 years for unlawful possession of firearms, 20 years for attempted murder, and 30 years for aggravated robbery.
The charges stemmed from an incident on September 19, 2022, at approximately 11 pm. The prosecution argued that Basara and Mugisa, with malicious intent, shot and injured Timothy Mutegeki while committing aggravated robbery, seizing Shs 2,800,000 from the victim. During the trial, five witnesses positively identified the suspects through an identification parade.
Lt Cl Besigye informed the convicted individuals of their right to appeal the judgment within 14 days. The sentences will be served concurrently at Katoju Government Prison in Fort Portal City.
In a related case on October 22, 2023, the same court sentenced Corporal Peter Avugo Lomila to life imprisonment for three counts of murder committed on July 14, 2023, at the division headquarters. Lt Cl Benon Besigye, the court’s chairperson, stated that Lomila attempted the murder of fellow soldiers, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Lomila was sentenced to life imprisonment at Katojjo civilian prison, with the option to file an appeal within 14 days.
