Three inmates at Kiburara prison, Nicholas Byamukama, 21, Nelson Muhwezi, 30, and Ronald Kule, 25, have been charged with two counts of theft and breaking into a store with the intention to steal.
According to the prosecution, the charges are contrary to Section 297 of the Penal Code Act, and Sections 254 (i) and 261 of the Penal Code Act.
The three individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.
The prosecution, led by Ali Semakula, the Resident State Attorney, alleges that on the 31st of March 2024, the trio took advantage of the morning rains to steal grains from the prison stores.
Semakula told the court that the trio broke into the prison’s food store and stole three sacks of beans, estimated to weigh 350 kg, and about 20 kilograms of maize valued at 950,000 shillings.
During the court appearance on Wednesday before Grade 1 Magistrate Esther Murungi, Semakula presented the first prosecution witness, Sergeant Wilson Bigira of Kiburara Government Prison Farm.
Bigira testified that Muhwezi committed the crime while working with him at the store as part of his rehabilitation. He also informed the court that Muhwezi confessed to stealing and was the mastermind behind the crime.
The trio has been remanded until the 2nd of July 2024, when the prosecution will present more witnesses.
