Three security personnel working for National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, face serious legal troubles after being charged with multiple counts of robbery and attacking female media professionals.
On Wednesday, Achilleo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi (also called Smart-wa Bobi), and Gadafi Mugumya appeared before Masaka grade one magistrate Abudallah Kayiira. The court sent them to prison until March 13. Law enforcement detained them last week across different locations in Kampala before transferring them to Masaka Central police station on Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim these individuals, along with others who remain uncaptured, committed these offenses during a funeral ceremony last May. The burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba took place at Manja village, located in the Kisekka sub-county, Lwengo district.
Court documents explain that the defendants allegedly attacked Zainabu Namusaazi, a Next Media Group journalist, and damaged her video equipment. They reportedly broke a mobile device belonging to Margret Kayondo, who works as a Radio Simba correspondent. Additional accusations include theft of two more phones, taking 200,000 Ugandan shillings in cash, and inflicting serious injuries on three additional people during a confrontation at the funeral service.
Michael Wakosesa, the senior state attorney, informed the court that authorities discovered sharp bayonets in possession of the accused. These weapons were allegedly used against the victims, elevating the case to aggravated robbery status. He requested continued detention as investigations proceed and efforts continue to find their suspected accomplices who remain at large.
The defendants, represented by National Unity Platform attorneys Samuel Muyizzi and Magellan Kazibwe, could not enter a plea. The magistrate determined that lower courts lack proper jurisdiction to handle aggravated robbery cases.
Muyizzi strongly challenged these charges, accusing the Director of Public Prosecutions of creating a false case to target NUP members for political reasons. He argued that the aggravated robbery charges lack substantial evidence and appear politically motivated.
The incident originated from a heated disagreement during the funeral ceremony when Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika criticized Kyagulanyi, claiming he orchestrated attacks against party members who questioned his leadership. According to those present, Kivumbi directed his colleagues to take a microphone away from Bwanika, triggering a disturbance that attracted journalists. In her statement to police, Namusaazi reported that bodyguards demanded she stop recording the situation, and when she continued, they allegedly assaulted her and destroyed her equipment.
On Wednesday, Achilleo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi (also called Smart-wa Bobi), and Gadafi Mugumya appeared before Masaka grade one magistrate Abudallah Kayiira. The court sent them to prison until March 13. Law enforcement detained them last week across different locations in Kampala before transferring them to Masaka Central police station on Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim these individuals, along with others who remain uncaptured, committed these offenses during a funeral ceremony last May. The burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba took place at Manja village, located in the Kisekka sub-county, Lwengo district.
Court documents explain that the defendants allegedly attacked Zainabu Namusaazi, a Next Media Group journalist, and damaged her video equipment. They reportedly broke a mobile device belonging to Margret Kayondo, who works as a Radio Simba correspondent. Additional accusations include theft of two more phones, taking 200,000 Ugandan shillings in cash, and inflicting serious injuries on three additional people during a confrontation at the funeral service.
Michael Wakosesa, the senior state attorney, informed the court that authorities discovered sharp bayonets in possession of the accused. These weapons were allegedly used against the victims, elevating the case to aggravated robbery status. He requested continued detention as investigations proceed and efforts continue to find their suspected accomplices who remain at large.
The defendants, represented by National Unity Platform attorneys Samuel Muyizzi and Magellan Kazibwe, could not enter a plea. The magistrate determined that lower courts lack proper jurisdiction to handle aggravated robbery cases.
Muyizzi strongly challenged these charges, accusing the Director of Public Prosecutions of creating a false case to target NUP members for political reasons. He argued that the aggravated robbery charges lack substantial evidence and appear politically motivated.
The incident originated from a heated disagreement during the funeral ceremony when Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika criticized Kyagulanyi, claiming he orchestrated attacks against party members who questioned his leadership. According to those present, Kivumbi directed his colleagues to take a microphone away from Bwanika, triggering a disturbance that attracted journalists. In her statement to police, Namusaazi reported that bodyguards demanded she stop recording the situation, and when she continued, they allegedly assaulted her and destroyed her equipment.
