News
Kampala court fines four men over public nuisance charges
The convicted are Jonathan Mugabi, 22, of Mawanda Road; David Sultan Mpambiro, a Congolese national; Jolo Abdurrahman, 22, a casual worker; and Steven Ssekabira, a motor mechanic, all from the Kamwokya suburbs.
Jonathan Mugabi 22, David Sultan Mpambiro, Jolo Abdurrahman and Steven Ssekabira, appearing before court. (Photo by Margret Zalwango)
By: Margret Zalwango, Journalist @New Vision
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City Hall Court has sentenced four individuals to fines for public nuisance charges.
The convicted are Jonathan Mugabi, 22, of Mawanda Road; David Sultan Mpambiro, a Congolese national; Jolo Abdurrahman, 22, a casual worker; and Steven Ssekabira, a motor mechanic, all from the Kamwokya suburbs.
They were brought before City Hall Magistrate’s Court on October 2, where they admitted to being a public nuisance.
Their offence is contrary to Section 148(1) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128. Senior Principal Magistrate Nicholas Aisu read the charges against them.
The four were found loitering in different locations on September 29, 2026, in Kamwokya, Kampala District. Their presence raised suspicions that they might have ill intentions.
State Attorney Mercy Yamangusho explained that police detectives, responding to a distress call, discovered the four people in the dark, moving about without a valid explanation for their presence.
The four were found loitering in different locations on September 29, 2026, in Kamwokya, Kampala District. Their presence raised suspicions that they might have ill intentions.
State Attorney Mercy Yamangusho explained that police detectives, responding to a distress call, discovered the four people in the dark, moving about without a valid explanation for their presence.
Yamangusho informed the court that such offences are becoming increasingly common, with numerous reports of unsuspecting citizens falling victim to night robbers. She requested a deterrent sentence for the convicts.
During the proceedings, each suspect pleaded for the court's mercy, citing personal reasons. One of the convicts stated, “My Lord, I have a two-month-old baby and am their sole breadwinner. Please forgive me so that I can go home where my wife is in need.” Another mentioned that he lives with his mother, who requires his support, while another expressed his desire to help his family with his younger brother's school fees.e
When the magistrate inquired why they were working at night, they struggled to provide clear answers, merely asking for forgiveness from the court.
Magistrate Aisu responded, “You work at night with the intention to steal. You should at least contribute to the government based on what you earn during these hours. Each of you will pay a fine of 200,000 shillings; in default, you will serve six months in prison.”
The convicts informed the magistrate that a Samaritan had given them 100,000 shillings at court, which they considered a good start towards paying their fines.
During the proceedings, each suspect pleaded for the court's mercy, citing personal reasons. One of the convicts stated, “My Lord, I have a two-month-old baby and am their sole breadwinner. Please forgive me so that I can go home where my wife is in need.” Another mentioned that he lives with his mother, who requires his support, while another expressed his desire to help his family with his younger brother's school fees.e
When the magistrate inquired why they were working at night, they struggled to provide clear answers, merely asking for forgiveness from the court.
Magistrate Aisu responded, “You work at night with the intention to steal. You should at least contribute to the government based on what you earn during these hours. Each of you will pay a fine of 200,000 shillings; in default, you will serve six months in prison.”
The convicts informed the magistrate that a Samaritan had given them 100,000 shillings at court, which they considered a good start towards paying their fines.