A Sinister Web of Greed and Violence
The trial of Susan Magara’s alleged kidnappers continues to unfold, revealing chilling details of a crime that shook Uganda. Today, Sergeant Moses Rwamwengye and Corporal Denis Musumba of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) took the stand before Justice Alex Ajiji at Buganda Road Court and recounted their harrowing encounters during the arrest of Abbas Musa Buvumbo and Abubaker Kyewolwa.
Susan Magara, the 28-year-old daughter of prominent businessman John Magara, was abducted on February 7, 2018, along Kabaka Anjagala road in Mengo, Kampala. Her captors demanded a staggering $1 million (approximately UGX 3.65 billion) ransom for her safe return. Despite the family’s desperate efforts, including delivering $200,000 (about UGX 700 million), Susan met a tragic fate. Three weeks later, her mutilated body was discovered dumped in Kigo, Wakiso district, sending shockwaves through the nation.
Before her death, the kidnappers cruelly sent Susan’s family a bag containing a flash drive with a haunting video plea and two of her severed fingers, a macabre testament to their brutal intentions.
Today’s proceedings focused on the testimonies of Sgt. Moses Rwamwengye and Cpl. Denis Musumba, who recounted their encounters with violence and resistance during the pursuit of justice. Sgt. Rwamwengye detailed a tense operation on April 25, 2018, tasked with apprehending suspect Isma Bukenya in downtown Kampala. Amidst the chaos, Bukenya’s associate, Abubaker Kyewolwa, lashed out violently, causing injuries to both Rwamwengye and his late colleague, Osborn Kule, before evading capture.
In a separate incident, Cpl. Musumba described a gripping showdown with Abbas Musa Buvumbo at a motorcycle garage in Namungoona. What began as an arrest attempt quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with both parties sustaining injuries during the intense struggle.
Despite the prosecution’s strong case, defense lawyers John Kabagambe, Richard Kumbuga, Samuel Wanda, and Zaina Nabukenya challenged the proceedings, questioning the absence of arrest warrants during the operations. This legal wrangling temporarily halted proceedings when defense counsel Kabagambe cited health concerns, prompting Judge Ajiji to adjourn the case until July 18, 2024.
The Allegations Unveiled
The indictment paints a grim picture of premeditated cruelty and financial greed. According to the prosecution, Susan Magara fell victim to a ransom plot orchestrated by Yakub Byensi, a former ADF rebel with ties to the victim’s community in Bunyoro. Byensi, along with accomplices including Hussain Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, and others, allegedly trailed Susan before seizing her in Lungujja and transporting her to various locations, including Nakandi’s home in Nateete and Bukenya’s residence in Makindye.
The kidnappers, intent on extracting ransom, resorted to mutilation and ultimately murder, fearing that Susan’s release would expose their identities and operations. Part of the ransom money allegedly funded the acquisition of land in Mukono district, underscoring the financial motives behind this heinous crime.
Key Figures and Statements
| Name | Position | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt. Moses Rwamwengye | CMI Operative | Recounted violent encounter during arrest operation, details injuries sustained. |
| Cpl. Denis Musumba | CMI Operative | Described physical altercation during arrest, both parties injured. |
| John Kabagambe | Defense Lawyer | Challenged proceedings citing procedural irregularities, seeks clarifications. |
| Justice Alex Ajiji | Presiding Judge | Adjourned case due to defense counsel’s health concerns, sets new hearing date. |
