A Mukono-based businessman and three other men have been charged and remanded to Kitalya Government Prison for allegedly possessing a magazine containing five bullets and a pair of UPDF digital camouflage uniforms. The accused appeared before the General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala on Monday, July 22.
Keffa Kiwanuka, 30, a resident of Kiyoola village in Mukono district, faced charges alongside casual laborers Jonathan Wasswa Magoma, 30, Moses Nyombi, 24, and Saulo Ssekandi, 28, a bodaboda rider from Katente ‘B’ village in the same district. They were charged with two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition and defense stores.
The charges, which all the accused denied, were read by GCM chairman, Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe. These charges contravene sections 3 (1) (2) (a), 160 (1) and (2) (c) of the Firearms Act, Cap 299. If convicted, the suspects face a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.
“A plea of not guilty is entered for you, Kiwanuka, Wasswa, Nyombi, and Ssekandi for counts one and two. You’re hereby remanded to Kitalya Government Prison,” stated Gen. Mugabe as he ordered the remand of the accused.
The defense team for the accused consists of Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Lt. Resty Mutebi Nagane, and Lt. Daniel Kagombe. The prosecution, led by Captains Ambroz Guma, Mugisha, and Alex Rasto Mukhwana, informed the court that investigations are ongoing and requested an adjournment.
The prosecution alleges that on or around February 28, 2024, in Kiyoola village, Nakisunga sub-county, Mukono district, Kiwanuka, Wasswa, Nyombi, and Ssekandi were found in unlawful possession of a magazine containing five rounds of live SMG ammunition. This ammunition is exclusively controlled by the defense forces. On the same day, the group was also found in possession of a pair of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) digital camouflage uniform, classified as defense stores.
The court has adjourned the case to July 29, 2024, for further mention.
Table: Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Keffa Kiwanuka, Jonathan Wasswa Magoma, Moses Nyombi, Saulo Ssekandi |
| Charges | Unlawful possession of ammunition and defense stores |
| Defense Lawyers | Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Lt. Resty Mutebi Nagane, Lt. Daniel Kagombe |
| Prosecutors | Capt. Ambroz Guma, Capt. Mugisha, Capt. Alex Rasto Mukhwana |
| Court | General Court Martial, Makindye, Kampala |
| Incident Date | February 28, 2024 |
| Next Court Date | July 29, 2024 |
| Potential Penalty | Up to ten years imprisonment |
The court proceedings will continue as the prosecution gathers more evidence.
