By Three civilian bodyguards of Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, have been committed to the High Court for trial on charges of robbery, assault, and malicious damage to property. The accused, Achileo Kivumbi, Gaddafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart, face six counts, including aggravated robbery, simple robbery, and assault.
The charges stem from a May 18, 2024, incident in Manja Village, Kisekka Sub- County, Lwengo District, where journalists were covering the funeral of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba. According to prosecution, the accused allegedly robbed Margret Kayondo, a journalist from Radio Simba, of a green sweater and Camon12 mobile phone valued at Shs 730,000, while using sharp objects and sticks. They also allegedly assaulted Zainab Namusaazi, a correspondent with Next Media Group, and smashed her camera worth Shs1.5 million.
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In court today, Masaka Chief Magistrate Abudallah Kayiza formally read the charges to the accused before committing the case to the High Court. “You are hereby committed to the High Court for trial at the next convenient sitting,” he ruled. State prosecutor Michael Wakosese told the court that investigations were complete, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had sufficient evidence to proceed.
Defense lawyer George Musisi expressed confidence that his clients would get justice, saying, “We’ve always said these charges are politically motivated. It’s absurd that someone can be charged with robbery over a sweater and a phone.” His colleague, Erias Nalukoola, added that they would demand the prosecution disclose the evidence they intend to rely on during plea taking.
The accused were among dozens arrested in February during a police and military raid on NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule. They were held incommunicado for weeks before appearing in court on March 26. Outside court, heavy police and military deployment dispersed a small group of NUP supporters with tear gas, drawing criticism from defence lawyer Sam Muyizzi, who argued that court is a public place and excessive security presence only inconveniences other court users.
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