American jailed over illegal possession of firearms

PIC: Roger was remanded until February 26. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

COURT | JUSTICE

WAKISO - Mathias Paul Roger, an American national, was on Friday arraigned before the Entebbe chief magistrate, Mary Kaitesi Lukwago.

Rojer, 57, was charged with three cases related to illegal possession of ammunition without a certificate contrary to section 3(1) and (2)(a) of the fire arms Act Cap 299.

Prosecution led by state attorney Macbeth Agumenitwe, alleged that on February 19, 2018, in Bwebajja village, Wakiso district, the accused had 37 live ammunition without a certificate.

A related second case under file number CRB 163/17 indicated that on 18/03/2017, Roge had a pistol colt number PL42191 without a valid certificate.

A third count read on the same date at Entebbe airport in Wakiso district, the accused had in his possession 128 live ammunition without a valid certificate. Led by counsel Ladislus Rwakafuzi, Roger's bail application was denied due to lack of sureties hence being remanded to Kigo prison until Monday.

He also faces the fourth case of domestic violence contrary to Section 4 of the domestic violence Act. Roger was charged before Entebbe grade one magistrate Masturah Mulondo and subsequently remanded to Kigo prison until March 2.

Roger was arrested on February 10 following a tip-off from Lillian Kaitesi, his estranged wife, prompting the Police to uncover a number of US army uniforms, guns, ammunition, knives and pepper spray. He was later taken to Nalufenya police detention for interrogation.

Preliminary investigations had revealed that the weapons and other military equipment, despite not being cleared to enter the country, passed through Entebbe airport.

Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima had earlier warned the immigration and aviation Police. "For every property cleared, there are documentations and there is a well-laid down procedure. So whoever cleared and did not follow the procedure may have to answer questions," Kayima just after the arrest of the American national.

Immediately after Roger's arrest, some of the military equipment reportedly recovered included several boxes containing 200 cartridges of a 7.62mm riffles, M13 guns and military uniforms among other accessories.