The General Court Martial (GCM) has ordered the defence team for the Wakiso boda boda robbery suspects to submit their final defence submissions by July 30, 2024. The order came after the defence failed to provide the submissions during the court session on Monday.
Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, the GCM chairman, issued the directive after questioning why the defence sought a lengthy adjournment. “You are hereby ordered to submit defence final submissions on July 30, 2024. You have always discouraged the state from making long adjournments; why are you now seeking a long one at this stage?” Gen. Mugabe asked.
The case involves three suspects—Teopista Mbazazi, 30; Jonathan Drake Mawejje, 26; and Mohammed Balikoowa, 38—who are accused of stealing a motorcycle and illegally possessing a firearm. The defence, led by Lt. Resty Mutebi Nagane, had previously failed to submit the final defence because she had not received instructions from the lead counsel, Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, who was absent due to a family loss.
The court adjourned the case, giving the defence until July 30 to file their final submissions.
In a related development, Ashraf Ssendawula Ssekulima, 50, who was co-accused in the case, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Faizal Mutaawe, 24, another co-accused, received a 13-year sentence. The remaining suspects are still on trial.
In June of the previous year, Detective Inspector Elemia Nayebare testified that he recovered an SMG rifle from Mbazazi’s home during a police investigation. The defence did not contest the evidence.
The prosecution claims that on June 15, 2022, in Kiyanja Zone, Kyengera Town Council, the suspects robbed Peter Wahadatu of his motorcycle and were found in possession of the SMG rifle, which is typically restricted to defence forces. The charges against the suspects include robbery and illegal possession of firearms, in violation of sections 285, 286 (2) of the Penal Code Act and section 3 (1) (2) (a) of the Firearms Act.
The case is being prosecuted by Col. Raphael Mugisha, Captain Ambroz Guma, and Captain Alex Rasto Mukhwana.
