(Mayuge) – Pte. Robert Herbertson Birivumbuka, a Special Forces Command (SFC) soldier, has been sentenced to death following his conviction for a mass shooting in Mayuge District. The Division Court Martial, chaired by Lt. Col. Moses Nabasa, delivered the verdict on November 1, 2024, finding him guilty of murdering five relatives and injuring four others in a violent dispute over land.
The sentencing took place at Buwaaya sub-county headquarters, where Birivumbuka faced charges connected to the fatal incident on June 29, 2024. Prosecutor David Basiima told the court that Birivumbuka, armed with a rifle, went to Nawanvubu village and killed his uncle, Isaac Buyinza Mudhasi, aged 39, along with Mudhasi’s three children, citing revenge as his motive.
| Details of Victims | Age | Relation to Birivumbuka |
|---|---|---|
| Isaac Buyinza Mudhasi | 39 | Paternal Uncle |
| Nicholas Musasizi | 4 | Mudhasi’s Son |
| Elesi Kafuko | 15 | Mudhasi’s Daughter |
| Resty Kantono | 14 | Mudhasi’s Daughter |
| Isaac Kitibwa Mudhasi | 2.5 | Died from injuries in hospital |
Birivumbuka’s actions also left Mudhasi’s wife and two visiting family members injured. During the hearing, the soldier admitted that the attack stemmed from a longstanding family conflict over land inheritance, adding that he believed his uncle was responsible for poisoning his mother.
During initial hearings, Birivumbuka had denied the charges, but he later changed his plea after Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis read his statement. In the statement, he explained that he felt his mother had been mistreated and that his uncle had been favored in a family land division by their late grandfather.
The court found Birivumbuka guilty on nine counts, five related to murder and four of attempted murder. The verdict included the death penalty for the murder of Mudhasi, along with additional sentences for other charges.
| Charges | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Murder of Isaac Buyinza | Death Penalty |
| Second Murder Charge | 90 Years |
| Third Murder Charge | Life Imprisonment |
| Fourth Murder Charge | 54 Years |
| Fifth Murder Charge | 51 Years |
| Attempted Murder (Count 6) | 25 Years |
| Attempted Murder (Count 7) | 25 Years |
| Attempted Murder (Count 8) | 25 Years |
| Attempted Murder (Count 9) | 20 Years |
Defending lawyer Lt. Hirald Rugyendo requested leniency for Birivumbuka, noting he was a first-time offender with family responsibilities, which sparked criticism from the public. “What about Mudhasi whom he killed? Didn’t he have two wives and children?” shouted one attendee, reflecting local outrage at the brutal crime.
Birivumbuka’s father, Patrick Tagaba, and his associate Meddie Mumbya, both accused of conspiring with him, also received sentences for conspiracy to murder, while another accused relative was acquitted. Tagaba received a one year sentence, while Mumbya was sentenced to six months.
Lt. Col. Nabasa said the severe sentences were intended to deter others from similar acts of violence. SFC spokesperson Maj. Jimmy Omara also remarked that the sentence underscores the military’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting civilians, adding that soldiers who misuse their position will face strict consequences.
The convicts have 14 days to appeal the ruling if they choose.
