Businesswoman Sentenced for Allegedly Stealing Diocese of Kigezi Vehicle

KABALE – The Chief Magistrate court in Kabale District has handed down a sentence of one year and six months to twenty-eight-year-old Shamim Batariro accused of stealing a motor vehicle belonging to the Diocese of Kigezi during the burial ceremony of the late Apollo Nyegamahe, also known as Aponye, in Rukiga district.

Batariro, a businesswoman hailing from Ruhinja village in Wakiso district, stands accused of stealing a grey Suzuki vehicle bearing registration number UAT 478N on July 12, 2023. This vehicle had been used to transport clergy members from Kikungiri Archdeaconry, led by Archdeacon Venerable Canon Amos Tweteise, to the burial service in Kitaburaza village, Muhanga town council.

Before the court session commenced today, Batariro sought permission from the Kabale Chief Magistrate, Derrick Byamugisha, to speak with representatives of the Diocese. Byamugisha granted her this opportunity, and in front of the Diocese representatives, Batariro pleaded guilty and humbly requested forgiveness. She explained that her health had deteriorated during her two-month remand, emphasizing that she was unaware the vehicle was stolen. She claimed it had been given to her by a man named Sula Sekasi from Kampala, who instructed her to drive it to the Diocese headquarters.

However, both Rev Canon Tweteise and Rev Canon Nkurunungi clarified to Batariro that they lacked the authority to dismiss the case, as it was under state jurisdiction, regardless of her admission of guilt.

CUE IN BATARIRO …..ON FORGIVENESS…LUG//

Following a brief conversation between Batariro and the Diocese representatives, the court heard from the prosecution led by State Prosecutor Raymond Mugisa. Mugisa charged Batariro with the theft of a motor vehicle valued at 17.7 million Shillings, a violation of sections 254 and 265 of the Penal Code Act. Additionally, he informed the court that at the time of her arrest, Batariro was in possession of nine vehicle master keys, five sticks of marijuana, 480,000 Ugandan shillings in cash, and two trays of eggs.

Byamugisha sentenced Batariro to serve one year and six months at Ndorwa government prison. In an act of goodwill, Byamugisha returned 480,000 Ugandan shillings to Batariro to assist her during her sentence.

The Diocese of Kigezi Secretary, Rev Canon Milton Nkurunungi, welcomed the court’s judgment and used the opportunity to urge the public to refrain from engaging in criminal activities.

CUE IN REV CAN NKURUNUNGI….ON JUDGEMENT….RR/ENG//

According to reports, Batariro made a stopover in Rubare town before continuing her journey at night. Her luck ran out when she was intercepted by the police at the Nyeihanga town council checkpoint around 10:00 pm. A stolen vehicle report had been filed at the Muhanga police station, leading to notifications being relayed to other police stations along the Kabale-Mbarara highway.

Initially, Batariro was taken into custody at Rwampara police station in Rwampara district and later transferred to Rukiga, where the case originated.