Three Ugandan soldiers found themselves in the General Court Martial for allegedly attempting to sell 776 air rocket bombs. Yes, you heard that right—bombs.
According to the prosecution, these C5 rocket bombs, complete with 640 fuses, were destined for Captain Angok Bol Bol Angok of the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF). It seems these soldiers were channeling their inner black market moguls, aiming to make a quick buck or several million of them.
Key Players and Allegations
| Accused Soldier | Rank & Role | Residence | Alleged Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lt. Muzamiru Mabibi | Flight Engineer, Entebbe Air Force | Kitala, Katabi Town Council | Capt. Angok Bol Bol Angok (SSPDF) |
| Lt. Julius Kimongo | Flight Engineer, UPDF | Fire Quarters, Entebbe | |
| S/Sgt Bruce Tashobya | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | Kawuku, Entebbe |
The trio, comprising Lt. Muzamiru Mabibi, Lt. Julius Kimongo, and S/Sgt Bruce Tashobya, appeared before the General Court Martial chaired by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe. The charges they faced? Attempting to sell military equipment—an act that could land them a cozy life imprisonment if convicted.
The prosecution, eager to prove its case, paraded the C5 rocket bombs and 640 fuses before the court. These weren’t just any props but the real deal, highly dangerous, according to Mugisha. The Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JAT) had meticulously brought these exhibits to ensure no one could claim it was all just a misunderstanding.
Represented by their lawyers—Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Lt Resty Mutebi Nagane, and Lt Daniel Kagombe—the accused soldiers have maintained their innocence, ready to battle it out in court. The tension in the room was palpable as the bombs were identified in the presence of the accused, their lawyers, and everyone who dared to look.
Legal Representation
| Lawyer | Client |
|---|---|
| Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa | Lt. Muzamiru Mabibi |
| Lt Resty Mutebi Nagane | Lt. Julius Kimongo |
| Lt Daniel Kagombe | S/Sgt Bruce Tashobya |
The prosecution, led by Mugisha and ably supported by Captain Ambroz Guma and Captain Alex Rasto Mukhwana, laid out the charges. They alleged that on or around September 30, 2023, in Ovujo village, Maracha district, Mabibi, Kimongo, and Tashobya attempted to unlawfully sell 776 pieces of C5 rocket bombs with 640 fuses to Capt Bol Bol Angok. It sounded like a plot twist straight out of an action-packed movie, but this was real life, and the stakes were high. One can only imagine the bargaining conversation: “These bombs are top quality! You won’t find a better deal anywhere else in the region.”
The hearing was adjourned to August 4, 2024.
