Top Suspect in Wakiso Kidnap Bribed Police for Bond Release, State Claims
A state prosecutor has revealed that the main suspect in the Wakiso kidnap and robbery case, involving UGX 16.6 million, managed to bribe officers at Kajjansi Police Station and was subsequently released on bond. The prosecutor, Captain Alex Rasto Mukhwana, informed the General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala that efforts are underway to recapture the suspect and retrieve evidence, including the vehicle used in the crime, which was also released.
According to Captain Mukhwana, the case file was returned to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) for coordination with Kajjansi Police Station, which originally investigated the case. He emphasized that the suspect orchestrated the kidnapping and robbery and then used his influence to manipulate the police, resulting in his temporary release. The vehicle involved in transporting the victim was also released and needs to be brought back for evidence.
During the court session on August 7, 2024, Mukhwana addressed concerns raised by the defendant’s lawyer, Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, regarding the handling of the suspects’ properties. Busagwa claimed that the state had not provided the suspects’ mobile phones, national identity cards, and ATM cards to their relatives. He criticized the state for not allowing the suspects’ families to access funds from the ATM cards, which he argued was necessary for their support. Busagwa further alleged that state prosecutors had directed them to Kajjansi Police for these items, but police had redirected them back to prosecution.
In response, Brigadier General Freeman Mugabe, who is chairing the GCM, suggested that the state might still be using the suspects’ properties for investigations. He granted an adjournment until a response is received from the state. If there is no satisfactory update by the next hearing, the court will take further action.
The accused individuals in this case are Private Reagan Opio, 21, and Private Felix Twinomuhangi, 27, both of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). They are joined by Arnold Sseruwu, 22, a civilian. Opio is stationed at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Bwebajja Detach, while Twinomuhangi is with the 08 SFC Battalion-Mityana. Sseruwu is a student residing in Mpala Lyamutundwe, Entebbe municipality.
The trio faces two serious charges: kidnapping with intent to murder and aggravated robbery. The kidnapping charge, according to Sections 243 (1) (C) of the Penal Code Act, and the aggravated robbery charge under Sections 285 and 286 (2), both carry severe penalties, including the death penalty upon conviction.
Prosecution alleges that on October 31, 2023, the accused kidnapped Bonny Nfitumukiza at Africa Fuel Station in Bulenga, Wakiso district, intending to ransom him. They are also accused of robbing Nfitumukiza of UGX 16.6 million, a Samsung Galaxy Fold phone, a Centenary Bank ATM card, a driving permit, a woofer, and a charger. Additionally, they were allegedly in possession of an SMG rifle during the crime.
The court has adjourned the case to September 17, 2024, for further mention.
