The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court remanded Abdul-Rashid Kyoto, also known as Njovu, to Luzira Prison on Monday. He faces charges of terrorism and the murder of two British tourists and their Ugandan guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese district.
Abdul-Rashid Kyoto appeared before Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza, dressed in a white tunic and walking on crutches. The 31-year-old, also known as Njovu, is accused of nine charges, including confessing to belonging to a terrorist organization, terrorism, murder, and aggravated robbery. These charges are all capital offenses, carrying a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Terrorism | Kyoto confessed to belonging to a terrorist organization. |
| Murder | He unlawfully caused the death of two British tourists and their Ugandan guide on October 17, 2023. |
| Aggravated Robbery | Kyoto is accused of robbing the victims of various possessions, including passports, credit cards, and money. |
Kyoto, a resident of Domain camp in Mwalika, Democratic Republic of Congo, and formerly of Suni village in Lyama sub-county, Budaka District, is alleged to have committed these crimes at Nyamunuka along Katunguru-Katwe Kabatoro Road in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On November 6, 2023, he was captured during a military operation on Lake Edward at Katwe-Kabatoro Island, along with two other ADF suspects who were killed. After being detained by the military, he was produced in court on Monday.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Lillian Omara Alum and Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko, stated that inquiries into the matter are ongoing. Kyoto has been remanded until November 17, 2023, as the court informed him that he cannot plead to capital offenses, and these will be tried by the High Court.