Jinja robbers get 35 years for deceptive timber deal scam

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Two notorious criminal gang members have been sentenced to 35 years each at Kirinya Prison after being found guilty and convicted of aggravated robbery.

During a court session presided over by Justice Winfred Nabisinde, Jalilu Kipanda, 24, and Ashraf Bamusugwire, 23, were sentenced to 35 years each for their involvement in an aggravated robbery.

The court heard that the duo used deceptive tactics to rob their victim of sh30 million and a mobile phone in Wakitaka, Jinja North Division, in June 2023.

According to the prosecution, Kipanda and Bamusugwire tricked their female victim, who deals in timber, into a fake timber purchase deal. They told her they owned a stranded lorry loaded with timber at the trading centre, which they claimed was worth sh30 million.

After a prolonged bargaining session, the victim, eager not to miss out on the deal and believing she was dealing with legitimate clients, rushed to collect the money for the purchase.

“Upon her return with the money, as she attempted to count and pay, the duo advised her to find a more suitable place to complete the payment. They agreed to meet in a quieter spot, where they snatched the bag containing the money and fled,” the prosecution told the court.

In their defence, the duo’s lawyers asked for a lighter sentence, citing that they were first-time offenders. The lawyers explained that Kipanda had two wives and six children to support, while Bamusugwire had one wife and two children, as well as a mother and younger sister to care for.

“Since they are still young and first-time offenders, we ask the court to impose a lighter sentence of five years so that they can return and contribute to nation-building,” the defence lawyer said.

In her ruling, Nabisinde stated that organised and aggravated robbery among youths in Jinja city and surrounding areas had become a norm.

She emphasised that the court was working to protect the citizens and their property. The judge described the convicts’ actions as well-planned and ruthless, warranting a harsher sentence.

“I fully agree with the evidence and submissions. The convicts took time to plan this crime. These types of acts are rampant in Jinja city and surrounding areas. You should work to earn a living, not use deceptive methods to rob and harm people. These sentences should serve as a deterrent to others who may consider doing the same,” she ruled.

In another case, a third gang of three individuals was also sentenced to 25 years for aggravated robbery. The gang, comprising Frank Nakiwafu and Martin Owori, each received 25 years, while the third member, identified only as Fred Bob, was sentenced to 20 years at Kirinya Prison.

The court heard that the trio, along with others still at large, attacked Denies Kamya in January 2024 while he was purchasing food along Gokale Road in Jinja City. Fred Bob grabbed the victim from his motorcycle, while Nakiwafu, armed with a knife, stabbed the victim, and Owori, armed with an iron bar, struck him.

“As a result, the victim sustained multiple injuries, and his property, including a national identity card, mobile phone, sh350,000 in cash, and a wristwatch, were stolen,” the court heard.

The judge advised both parties that if they were not satisfied with the sentence or conviction, they could appeal within 14 working days.