Soldier, 11 civilians accused of murder charged as army court resumes duties

KAMPALA - A 49-year-old Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier and his co-accused civilians could face death if convicted over murder and kidnap.

Staff Sergeant RA/162543 Jotham Karamuzi attached to 2 Tokoora Battalion, and deployed at the National Forestry Authority as an enforcement officer in Greater Masaka Region and is co-11 accomplices were on February 12, 2026, arraigned before the General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye in Kampala city as it resumed its duties after over a year suspension by the Supreme Court.

Karamuzi was charged alongside a Buloba-based herbalist, Ibrahim Sabiti, 57, and businessman Ronald Bonane, 25, among others.

General Court Martial (GCM) chairperson Brig. Gen Richard Tukachungurwa read the charges to the accused. The charges are murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping with intent to murder.

In the dock at the General Court Martial at Makindye in Kampala on Thursday is Staff Sergeant RA/162543 Jotham Karamuzi and his co-accused civilians accused of murder and kidnap. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

Under the law, murder contravenes Sections 171 and 172, aggravated robbery contravenes Section 266 and 267, whereas kidnap with intent to murder contravenes Section 226 (1) of the Penal Code Act Cap 128, with all charges attracting maximum death sentences, upon conviction.

Prosecution led by Col Raphael Mugisha, Major Ambroz Guma, Captain Gift Mubehamwe, and Second Lieutenants Anthony Phillip Olupot and Regina Nanzala informed the court that inquiries regarding the case were still ongoing.

“We pray that the case be adjourned till February 26, 2026, as we commence with our investigations,” Major Guma told court.

The defence led by Major Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, Captain Daniel Kagombe, and Captain Pricilla Kakande, among other lawyers, did not object to the prosecution’s seek of adjournment, prompting Gen. Tukachungurwa to adjourn the case.

General Court Martial (GCM) chairperson Brig. Gen Richard Tukachungurwa (C) read the charges to the accused. (Credit: Margaret Zalwango)

Charges

Prosecution alleges that on or around December 1, 2025, in Kingona, Kyamuzimba village, Kyesiga parish, Kyanamukaka sub-county in Masaka district, Karamuzi, and his co-accused, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Geofrey Jama Munyaradzi.

That during the same place and time, the group also robbed $600, and at or immediately after the said robbery were in possession of a deadly weapon to wit; an AK47 riffle S/NO. UG UPDF 1270 loaded with thirty rounds of live ammunition.

It is further purported that on the same day, at Hilton Garden Inn, Kamwokya, Central Division, Kampala City, the accused, by force, abducted Jama against his will with intent that he may be murdered.