KAMPALA, UGANDA – Six suspects, including three Rwandan nationals, have been remanded to Luzira Prison over their alleged involvement in a violent robbery in Kisenyi, where a businessman reportedly lost Shs63 million.
The suspects appeared on Thursday before the Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at the Law Development Centre, presided over by Chief Magistrate Timothy Lumunye.
They were charged with aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. The three Rwandan nationals were identified as Asuman Balituha, Elvis Zabayo, and James Muhizi, all boda boda riders and refugees according to court records.
The Ugandan co-accused include Brighton Kusasira, a 25-year-old businessman from Masajja ‘A’ in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District; Ronald Mwesige, a boda boda rider from Bulenga; and Abdul Swamadu, a car washer from Kawanda in Nansana Municipality.
Robbery at Kisenyi shopping mall
Prosecution told court that the alleged robbery occurred on February 20, 2026, at Shop No. KP 5/4 at Gwanda Shopping Mall in Kisenyi. The suspects are accused of attacking businessman Michael Moses Ssekuliima while armed with pangas before robbing him of Shs63 million.
Court heard that the victim had reportedly gone to deposit the money through an agent banking service when he was attacked.
State Attorney Patricia Cingtho told court that the suspects allegedly planned the robbery earlier in February from different parts of Kampala, including Makindye Division and Rubaga Division.
Torture claims raised in court
During the court session, the accused complained of alleged torture while in police custody. They claimed they had spent about 20 days in detention without adequate food and were transferred between several police stations.
The court also heard concerns that one of the suspects, Swamadu, may be a minor and not 20 years old as indicated on the charge sheet. Magistrate Lumunye directed that prison authorities conduct a medical examination to determine his exact age and establish whether he should be handled under juvenile justice laws.
Case adjourned
The magistrate further ordered that a Rwandan interpreter be secured on the next court date so that the charges can be explained clearly to the three Rwandan suspects.
All six accused were remanded to Luzira Prison until March 30, 2026, as investigations continue.
Under Ugandan law, aggravated robbery is a capital offence that carries the death penalty upon conviction.
