On the charge of aggravated robbery, prosecution alleges that Kivumbi, Mugumya, Wakabi, Eddie Mutwe and others, still at large, on May 18th, 2024, at Manja village in Lwengo District, robbed a journalist, Margaret Kayondo her green sweater, mobile phone handset Camon 12 Purple/Black in Color worth 730,000 shillings.
The court heard that on November 15th, 2023, along Sezibwa Road near Fang Fang Hotel in Kampala Central Division, the suspects allegedly robbed a Chinese Businessman named Hewei of a Black Bag containing US$190,000 (equivalent to Shillings 721 million). The robbery reportedly involved the use of a panga, causing grievous harm to Hewei.
Appearing before Justice Michael Elubu on Monday, the couple, in remand for over a year, appeared with the Prosecution led by Edward Muhumuza, confirming readiness for trial. Muhumuza informed the Court that they shared evidence documents with the defense lawyers, Susan Wakabala and Henry Kunya. Both parties agreed to commence the trial next month on the stipulated dates.
Lawyer Anthony Wameli said that he directed his colleague Martin Njoroge to file the withdrawal which some advocates at his law firm had branded fake. Wameli said he could not sustain the representation because he is a potential witness against the suspect whom he accuses of engaging in violent and illegal acts against members of the National Unity Platform-NUP, a party whose legal department he represents.
Sipapa and Nakiyemba's lawyer Turyamusiima objected to the adjournment saying it was the third time that the Prosecutors say that investigations are incomplete.
Court heard that between November and December 2021, the suspects and others still at large as agents of the Uganda National Coalition, a force that is reportedly engaged in warlike activities against the government of Uganda, recruited people and attacked security posts for purposes prejudicial to the security of Uganda.
Muhayire narrated how they stopped at a fuel station and discussed whether to kill him using paraffin or petrol by pouring it in his ears or silencing him with a gun. He was however saved by Mutebi, one of the suspects who allegedly said that they shouldn't kill him otherwise it would be easy for them to be traced.
The assessors informed the Court that they carefully listened to the evidence by the prosecution and they are satisfied that it is sufficient enough for them to be convicted as charged.
The bail has been denied by Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata on grounds that Arinaitwe faces capital offenses for which he might abscond from trial once released. This he said is because Arinaitwe is also accused of aggravated robbery whose maximum punishment upon conviction is death.
Court heard that the accused together with others still at large while in Fort portal tourism city at around 4 pm on September 2, 2021, kidnapped Japheth Kabagambe Ahebwa with intentions of murdering him.
