A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldier and four boda boda riders have been remanded for their alleged involvement in the robbery of a senior officer’s rifle. Private Simon Peter Magawa, 30, a member of the UPDF 03 infantry battalion, was charged alongside George Mugerwa, Nelson Ssemakula, John Ssekadde, and Tom Maswe, all boda boda riders.
The suspects, including John Ssekiranda and Joseph Ssegujja, faced charges of aggravated robbery in a court session chaired by Brig Gen Freeman Robert Mugabe. The accused denied the charges, which, if convicted, could result in the death penalty under sections 285 and 29 of the Penal Code Act Cap 120.
The alleged robbery took place on December 24, 2022, in Kisweka Village, Lwamata town council, Kiboga district. During the incident, the suspects reportedly robbed Edrine Luyimbazi of cash amounting to sh1,500,000, an SMG rifle with the number 56-128132695, and 60 rounds of live ammunition. Prosecution claimed that the stolen rifle and ammunition belonged to Brig Gen Mathias Ssewankambo. Additionally, the accused were said to have possessed deadly weapons during or immediately after the robbery.
State prosecutors, led by Lt Col Raphael Mugisha and Lt Alex Mukwana, informed the court that investigations into the matter are ongoing. They requested an adjournment to February 28, 2024, for the mention of the case.
Represented by Capt. Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, the accused persons were remanded to different facilities. Private Simon Peter Magawa was remanded to Makindye Military detention, while the civilians, George Mugerwa, Nelson Ssemakula, John Ssekadde, Tom Maswe, John Ssekiranda, and Joseph Ssegujja, were remanded to Kitalya government prison.
