The High Court sitting in Kiboga has convicted a prison warder who pleaded guilty to seven charges arising from a February shooting incident that left four people dead.
Prison Warder Anguyo Moses pleaded guilty to four counts of murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of threatening violence.
The murder charges relate to the deaths of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Catherine Hope, Principal Officer (PO1) Akishuri Bright, Sarah Ayebare and her infant son, Salson Niwagaba.
The two aggravated robbery charges stem from the alleged theft at gunpoint of clothes belonging to Nabayiga Mary and Kamusiime Grace, while the threatening violence charge relates to allegations that Anguyo threatened to shoot or kill Kiboga Government Prison officer in charge, Superintendent of Prisons (SP) Ivan Niwagaba.
Prosecution told court that on February 23, 2026, Anguyo was on duty at Sentry “A” at Kiboga Government Prison, armed with a submachine gun, when he became insubordinate during a supervisory inspection by SP Niwagaba and ASP Hope.
He had allegedly been found using a mobile phone while on duty, contrary to prison operational regulations.
The prosecution alleged that when Anguyo was ordered to hand over the firearm, he became violent, cocked it and aimed it at SP Niwagaba.
The firearm reportedly malfunctioned initially, but Anguyo allegedly re-cocked it and fired at the officer, who escaped unharmed.
The shooting later claimed the lives of Ms Ayebare and her infant son, Salson, who were in a vehicle within the prison compound.
ASP Hope was also allegedly shot dead in a toilet at the District Health Officer’s premises.
PO1 Bright, who had responded to the gunfire believing that prisoners were escaping, was also allegedly shot dead.
After the incident, Anguyo allegedly fled to Saza Trading Centre, where he committed two aggravated robberies while armed with the same firearm.
Prosecution said he stole a pair of black jeans from Katusiime Grace and an Arsenal jersey from Nabayiga Mary.
He allegedly later abandoned his prison uniform and the firearm in a bush in Kibiga Sub-county before fleeing to Arua and crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He was subsequently arrested in Aru in a joint Uganda-DRC operation and brought back to Uganda to face trial.
On Monday, August 31, Anguyo pleaded guilty to all seven charges, prompting the High Court to convict him on the counts.
The prosecution and defence have made submissions on sentencing, with the prosecution asking court to impose the maximum penalty.
The court is expected to hear from the victims’ families, Uganda Prisons Service and members of the community before sentencing Anguyo on Tuesday, September 1.
The case is being presided over by High Court Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Daisy Nabasitu and Senior State Attorney Stephen Arion, while Anguyo is represented by lawyers Swaibu Male and Cate Nakamya.
The ODPP said the conviction marks a significant step towards securing justice for the four deceased persons and addressing the alleged threat against SP Niwagaba.
