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A state witness has testified against eleven suspects accused of robbing $50,000 (approximately over shillings 190 million) from a businessman.

The robbery according to the prosecution took place on October 24, 2023, at Katonga Bridge in Mpigi district, prompting two counts of aggravated robbery against the suspects.

The charges contravene Sections 288 and 286 (2) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 120, and attract a sentence of life in prison upon conviction.

The suspects are Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers Private Isma Mugeragi, 29, S/Sgt Travis Mfitumukiza, 49, and Police Constable Isaac Isabirye, 31, a police officer attached to the Police’s ICT Department at its headquarters in Naguru, and a resident of Naguru Barracks in Kampala.

Other co-accused are civilians Daniel Mugabi, 33, Salim Lutaya, 40, Mahad Ssenono, 31, Patrick Ngobi, 36, Usama Kaddu, 30, David Kalyesubula aka Kalz, 32, Abdul Kayongo alias Bast, 29, and Hamuza Matovu, 36, a resident of Kazinga Zone, Kasanganti Town Council in Wakiso district.

In his testimony, Shakiru Kibuka told the court that on October 24, 2023, at Katonga Bridge in Mpigi district, he was robbed of his mobile phones; Samsung Note 10 Plus, and a Techno T528.

“We had finished exchanging money from a forex bureau in Kampala and were heading to Mutukura for shopping. On reaching Katonga Bridge, we were intercepted,” the witness said.

He added, “It is Private Isma who picked the money from my boss (Shukuru Hussein Nuru) from our car. Matovu was the driver of the car in which they (robbers) were traveling in and it was PC Isaac, who punched me on the shoulder, instructing me to shut up.”

Kibuka further identified suspects Private Mugeragi, PC Isabirye, and Matovu to court, saying he physically saw them robbing them on a fateful day.

He made the assurance as the accused’s defence lawyers led by Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa and Elizabeth Nyasinwa cross-examined him after his testimony.

Asked by prosecutors what he would want the court to do for the accused, the witness said, “Let them not be killed, but this court should not let them be in society anymore, they are not good people.”

Prosecution led by Lt. Col. Raphael Mugisha, Captain Ambroz Guma, and Lt Alex Mukhwana allege that on October 24, 2024, at Katonga Bridge in Mpigi district, the accused robbed Nuru of $50,000, mobile phones, Samsung Note 10 plus, Nokia TA 1253, and immediately before or after the said robbery, had a deadly weapon to wit a sharp knife.

It is further alleged that during the same place and time, the accused robbed Kibuka of his mobile phones; Samsung Note 10 Plus, and Techno T528, and immediately before or after the said robbery, had a deadly weapon to wit; a sharp knife.

GCM chairman Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe adjourned the case to April 29, 2024, for further hearing.