Sipapa trial: prosecution presents forensic evidence

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A forensic expert has revealed findings on chemical substances discovered at the scene of an alleged aggravated robbery involving socialite Charles Olimu, alias Sipapa, as the prosecution continued to build its case at the High Court in Kampala.

ASP Franco Isooba, a forensic analyst with expertise in Chemical, Biology, Radiology, and Nuclear Explosives Analysis at the Uganda Police, testified on March 12, 2025, as the 13th prosecution witness. He detailed the results of his toxicological examination of the substance found at the victim’s home in Bbunga Kawuku.

He told the court that on September 1, 2022, he was assigned by Detective Constable Makaayi Ronald to conduct a toxicological analysis to determine the potential effects of the recovered chemical substance on human life if inhaled.

The exhibits submitted for examination were obtained from Kabalagala Police Station under case file number CRB 1205/2022 and listed in Police Form 17A. These included a green doormat with a suspected intoxicant, two small white towels with a suspected intoxicant, recovered from a bedroom at the crime scene entrance, and a suspected powdered intoxicant recovered from the bedroom balcony.

Isooba told the court that he was unable to examine the towels and doormat due to a lack of the necessary technology to extract the substance at the time. However, he successfully analysed the powdered intoxicant using advanced technology.

His findings, compiled in a report signed by Directorate head Andrew Mubiru Kizimula and reviewer Jafar Kisitu, revealed that the suspected substance was colourless, had a sweet scent, and contained a flavouring agent commonly used in cigarette production and food processing.

He further discovered that the substance is used in surgical operations to induce unconsciousness and prevent pain. However, it can also cause excitement, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and respiratory disorders, with potential effects on the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.

Additionally, Isooba noted that acute exposure could cause skin irritation and eye discomfort.

The forensic expert, led by senior state attorneys Edward Muhumuza and Timothy Amerit from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), told Justice Michael Elubu that the substance exhibited explosive properties.

During cross-examination, Isooba maintained that his analysis was thorough and accurate. He asserted that even if the substance were re-examined now, the results and conclusions would remain the same, although some properties might have changed due to the passage of time.

When asked about the exact quantity of the examined substance, Isooba was unable to specify.

The report, along with the towels and doormat, was submitted in court as prosecution exhibits.

The charges

Sipapa is facing charges of aggravated robbery and money laundering alongside his wife, Shamirah Nakiyemba.

The prosecution alleges that on the night of August 29, 2022, at Bunga Kawuku in Makindye Division, Kampala, the couple, along with others still at large, robbed six South Sudanese nationals of various items and cash.

Among the victims was Jacob Arok Mul, who was allegedly robbed of $429,000 in cash, two mobile phones, an iPhone valued at $3,200, and a 75-inch Samsung flat-screen TV worth $4,000.

On the same night, the suspects allegedly stole from Mary Ateng, taking an iPhone 12 Pro Max worth sh5 million, a gold belt, and a gold chain valued at $10,000, along with two gold rings worth $500.

Additionally, they are accused of robbing Chol Ateng of an iPhone 11 Pro valued at sh800,000, a Dell laptop, a charger worth sh3.7 million, and sh500,000 in cash.

Deng Arok was also reportedly robbed of an Apple MacBook Air worth sh5 million and an iPhone valued at the same amount.