Man who attacked policewoman with hammer remanded

COURT|CRIME|ROBBERY

KAMPALA - A man who allegedly hit a Policewoman with a hammer during last week's riots in Kampala has been charged with aggravated robbery and remanded to Kitalya prison.

Emmanuel Simbwa Ssebuliba, 26, allegedly hit ASP Consulate Kasule with a hammer as she was removing logs and stones placed in the middle of the road near Totalia building.

The protestors had barricaded roads, set on fire old tyres, plastics, and papers, demanding the immediate release of National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

Kyagulanyi had been arrested for flouting Covid-19 guidelines set by the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health. He was later charged in court and released on bond.

Police's Flying Squad unit in Kireka-Kinawataka later arrested Ssebuliba after he was identified and tracked using CCTV footage captured on the day of the riots.

Ssebuliba, a boda boda rider, was charged alongside mechanic Godfrey Lubyayi, businessman Muhammed Semakula, and casual labourer Marvin Ahimbisibwe.

Appearing before Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Joan Ketty Acaa yesterday, the four denied the charges. The accused were not represented in court.

The offence attracts a maximum sentence of 10-years-imprisonment under Section 285 and 286 of the Penal Code Act.

"A plea of not guilty is hereby entered against each of you. However, you are hereby remanded to Kitalya Prison," Acaa ordered.

Prosecution alleges that the four and others still at large on November 18, 2020, at Nakivubo road in Kampala district, robbed Consilanta Kasule of a techno mobile phone valued at sh150, 000.

It is alleged that before the said robbery, the four and others still at large, caused violence, which resulted in scores of people reportedly injured, including Kasule.  

The court heard that investigations on the matter are still ongoing, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the case to December 14, 2020, for mention.