MBARARA: The High Court in Mbarara on Tuesday sentenced four suspects for charges of Murder and Aggravated Robbery in Kiruhura District.
The convicts include Byamugisha Justus, who received a 26-year prison sentence, Muwonge Matia, a mechanic, sentenced to 36 years, Nabi Isiah sentenced to 26 years, and Kabagambe Hannington, a Boda Boda rider, also sentenced to 36 years. These individuals were found guilty of trailing and murdering Gumisiriza Sam, a farmer and resident of Nama village, Kinoni Sub County in Kiruhura District.
According to a statement released by Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, on 2nd September 2023, the convicts followed the deceased from his home to DFCU Bank Rushere, where he withdrew a substantial sum of money amounting to Twenty-nine million, two hundred sixty thousand shillings (29,260,000/=).
Kasasira’s statement reveals that on his journey back home, the convicts intercepted him in Byazo along Nama Road, Kinoni Sub County in Kiruhura District. They pepper-sprayed him, causing him to stop, then proceeded to grab and strangle him to death with a rope. They left his lifeless body and his motorcycle, a UEM 055S Bajaj Boxer, in the bushes off the road.
He said that the deceased’s body was discovered on 03/09/2023, and the incident was promptly reported to the Police, initiating investigations. On 04/09/2023, four suspects were apprehended, including Mutambi Owamukama, the DFCU Bank Manager.
He also noted that Police recovered significant evidence, including a brand new motorcycle, a Bajaj Boxer purchased with the stolen money, a container with red pepper substances, 1.2 million shillings in cash, and the nylon rope used in the crime.
He stated that the convicts were sentenced to Mbarara Main Prison through a plea bargain, while the prosecution of the Bank manager is ongoing in the High Court of Mbarara.
