A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Private Simon Peter Magawa, aged 30, attached to the UPDF 03 infantry battalion, along with four boda boda riders, has been remanded for their alleged involvement in robbing a senior officer’s rifle. The suspects were identified as George Mugerwa, Nelson Ssemakula, John Ssekadde, and Tom Maswe, all residents of different areas in Uganda.
The suspects appeared in court, and Brig Gen Freeman Robert Mugabe, the court chairman, read them the charge of aggravated robbery. The accused individuals, including Magawa, denied the charges leveled against them. The offense, categorized under sections 285 and 29 of the Penal Code Act Cap 120, carries the severe penalty of death upon conviction.
According to the prosecution’s allegations, the incident occurred on December 24, 2022, in Kisweka Village, Lwamata town council, Kiboga district. The suspects are accused of robbing Edrine Luyimbazi of cash amounting to sh1,500,000, an SMG rifle with the serial number 56-128132695, and 60 rounds of live ammunition. The rifle and ammunition are claimed to belong to Brig Gen Mathias Ssewankambo.
During or immediately after the alleged robbery, the accused individuals were reported to possess deadly weapons. 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.
The accused persons were represented in court by Capt. Simon Nsubuga Busagwa. As the legal proceedings unfold, Magawa was remanded to Makindye Military detention, while the civilians, including the boda boda riders, were remanded to Kitalya government prison.
