Summary:
- The prosecution told court presided over by His Worship Julius Mutabazi, that the accused, Robert Mucunguzi (28), Nobert Okurboth (35), Anthony Niwagaba (20), Hassan Omani (25), Deus Kiiza (42), and Mathias Kajugo (58) threatened violence against the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Honorable Phiona Nyamutoro, and her technical team.
KABALE: The Kabale Grade One Magistrate Court on Monday charged and remanded six private security guards from Wolves Security Company to Ndorwa Government Prison on seven counts.
The prosecution told court presided over by His Worship Julius Mutabazi, that the accused, Robert Mucunguzi (28), Nobert Okurboth (35), Anthony Niwagaba (20), Hassan Omani (25), Deus Kiiza (42), and Mathias Kajugo (58) threatened violence against the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Honorable Phiona Nyamutoro, and her technical team.
The team included Ndyanabo Allen, a geologist from the Ministry of Mineral Development, SP Bernard Katwaro, a liaison officer from the Ministry, SP Kiiza Nestelio from the Zonal Mineral Office in the Kigezi region; ASP Solomon Okello, PC Kasim Asiimwe (number 41691), a Mineral Police Officer and PC Joseph Odette (number 68348). The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, during their visit to inspect an illegal mining site operated by the National Cement Company at Butare, Katoojo in Muko Sub County, Rubanda District.
The minister and her team were inspecting the site following a complaint from the directors of STEAM, who alleged that their exploration license had been trespassed upon by unknown individuals working illegally for John Muluri Muyambi and the National Cement Company.
The prosecution told court that the investigation is complete and the accused are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing. When the charges were read, all the accused pleaded not guilty.
His Worship Mutabazi informed the accused that they could apply for bail, but none of them had the required securities. Consequently, they were remanded to Ndorwa Government Prison, and the case was adjourned to July 18, 2024.
