Yusuf Nyanzi, previously detained intermittently at Luzira Prison for eight years over multiple cases, has been exonerated of charges relating to the attempted murder of Works and Transport Minister General Katumba Wamala in a recent ruling by the International Crimes Division of the High Court. Alongside Hussein Sserubula, Nyanzi was released after the court determined the evidence presented insufficient to implicate them in the accusations of terrorism and the murders of Katumba’s daughter Brenda Nantongo Wamala and his driver Haruna Kayondo, as well as the attempted murder of Gen Katumba himself. This decision was delivered by Justice Alice Komuhangi and conveyed by Registrar Juliet Harty Hatanga.
However, the court upheld charges including murder, attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated robbery, and association with a terrorist organization against six other individuals: Muhammad Kagugube, Sirimani Kisambira, Abdullah Aziz Ramadhan, Dunka, Kamada Walusimbi, Habib Ramadhan Marjan, and Huzaifah Wampa. These charges stem from various incidents of homicide and robbery within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The Nakawa Magistrates Court had previously charged the accused in 2021 with five offenses, including the attempted murder of General Katumba Wamala, his bodyguard Sergeant Khalid Kuboit, and Boniface Mucunguzi. This incident occurred on June 1, 2021, along Kisota road in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, resulting in the tragic deaths of Brenda Nantongo and Sergeant Haruna Kayondo. Additionally, the court confirmed murder charges against the six accused persons for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities.
The suspects are implicated in multiple incidents, including:
| Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2019 | Cheap General Hardware, Nansana, Wakiso district | Alleged involvement in the deaths of Jimmy Atukuru, Frank Anania, Abaho Frank Mutsinda, and Amim Bugembe, alongside theft of 385 million Shillings from Tedrin Nalule, the cashier. |
| April 27, 2019 | City Shoppers Supermarket, Kanyanya, Mpererwe | Accused of murdering Burton Okoti and attempting to murder Jalia Nantambi, alongside theft from Precious Kayesu and Aisha Nakafeero. |
| September 16, 2017 | Denovo Bakery, Kalerwe, Kampala district | Implicated in murders resulting in five deaths, including two special police constables, Hussein Mubiru and Moses Kalungi, along with injuries to others. Also accused of theft and attempted murder. |
| March 2015 – June 2021 | Various locations in Uganda and Eastern DRC | Alleged provision of financial support to Hussein Lubwama alias Master for terrorism-related activities. |
Yusuf Nyanzi, discharged recently, has been entangled in three separate high-profile cases, including the murder of Major Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sergeant Steven Mukasa, as well as charges related to the killing of former Police Spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi seven years ago. Although granted bail in the Kiggundu and Kaweesi murder cases, concerns persist regarding potential re-arrest.
In response to his client’s release, Nyanzi’s lawyer, Turyamusiima, expressed relief but remains cautious about possible re-arrest. Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), through spokesperson Jacquelyn Okui, affirmed their readiness to prosecute the remaining six suspects, who are set to face trial before a Panel of three Judges of the International Crimes Division.
