Three National Unity Platform (NUP) civilian bodyguards attached to party President Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, have been charged and remanded to Masaka Main Prison over alleged robbery and malicious property damage.
The suspects, who include Achileo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart, were arraigned before Masaka Chief Magistrate Abdullah Kayiza on Wednesday and were read the charges of aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault, and malicious damage to property.
State Prosecution told court that the accused trio allegedly robbed one Margret Kayondo, a journalist attached to Radio Simba, stealing her green sweater and a Camon12 mobile phone valued at Shs 730,000 on May 18, 2024. The prosecution further alleges that they used sharp knives and sticks during the attack.
Court also heard that shortly after the robbery, the trio assaulted Zainab Namusaazi, an NBS TV journalist, damaging her video camera worth Shs 1.5 million.
The altercation reportedly happened in Manja Village, Kisekka Sub-county, Lwengo District, where journalists had gone to cover the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba.
The state further alleges that the suspects also stole Shs 200,000 from Rodgers Mulungi and John Mukalaazi and assaulted Drake Lubega and Haruna Ssekitto, whose mobile phone was also stolen.
State prosecutor Michael Wakosesa told the court that investigations were still ongoing and requested an adjournment.
However, defense lawyer Samuel Muyiizi dismissed the charges as exaggerated and politically motivated. “How can someone accused of stealing a mobile phone and a sweater be charged with armed robbery? This is a deliberate attempt to push the case to the High Court, where bail applications will be complicated due to the absence of resident judges in Masaka,” Muyiizi argued.
The NUP lawyer also raised concerns over alleged torture of his clients during arrest, stating that Mugumya had developed chest and back pain, while Kivumbi complained of back injuries after being stepped on by security operatives.
The magistrate adjourned the case until March 13, 2025, when the accused will reappear for further proceedings. He advised their lawyers to present their concerns before the High Court when the trial begins.
