By Three civilian bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, have been remanded to Masaka Main Prison after being charged with multiple counts of robbery and malicious damage to property.
Masaka Chief Magistrate Abdullah Kayiza read the charges against Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart, which include aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault, and malicious damage to property.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly robbed Masaka-based Radio Simba journalist, Margaret Kayondo, of a green sweater and a Tecno Camon 12 mobile phone, valued at UGX 730,000, on May 18, 2024. The trio reportedly used sharp weapons, including knives and sticks, during the attack.
The court also heard that immediately after the alleged robbery, the suspects assaulted Zainab Namusaazi, a journalist with NBS TV, damaging her video camera worth UGX 1.5 million. The incident took place at Manja Village, Kisekka Sub-County in Lwengo District, where journalists were covering the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba, a younger brother of former Democratic Party Secretary General, Mathias Nsubuga.
In the same incident, the accused allegedly stole UGX 200,000 from Rodgers Mulungi and John Mukalaazi, in addition to assaulting Drake Lubega and Haruna Ssekitto, whose mobile phone was also stolen. The scuffle reportedly ensued as Bobi Wine’s security team attempted to block journalists from covering the funeral proceedings.
Defense Pushes Back Against Charges
State Prosecutor Michael Wakosesa informed the court that investigations into the case were ongoing and requested an adjournment. However, defense lawyer Samuel Muyiizi dismissed the charges as exaggerated, arguing that some claims, such as the use of sharp weapons, were not even mentioned in the complainants’ statements.
“The public is likely to lose trust in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). How can someone accused of stealing a mobile phone and a sweater be charged with armed robbery? This is just a move to push the case to the High Court, knowing well that Masaka currently lacks a High Court judge, which could complicate bail applications,” Muyiizi argued.
Muyiizi further raised concerns about the alleged torture of his clients during arrest, noting that Mugumya had developed chest and back pain, while Kivumbi complained of severe back injuries after reportedly being stepped on by security operatives.
“It’s unfortunate that cases of torture are resurfacing. We urge security operatives to handle suspects humanely. Stepping on someone’s back, tying their hands and legs is unnecessary,” he added.
The presiding magistrate advised the defense to raise these concerns at the High Court when the case proceeds. The hearing was adjourned to March 13, 2025, when the accused will reappear in court.
Political Fallout
The remand of Bobi Wine’s aides comes amid allegations of political persecution. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Kyagulanyi claimed that his bodyguards were among several NUP supporters abducted during a security raid on the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule.
“It’s been close to a week since our comrades Achileo Kivumbi, Wakabi Grace Smart, and Mugumya Gaddafi were violently abducted, taken to Lugazi, Nansana, and other places. After some time, they were dumped at CPS Kampala before being transferred to Masaka. Although they were largely interrogated about the National Unity Platform and its plans, they were eventually driven to Masaka, and the regime is now plotting to charge them with aggravated robbery! It’s long past the constitutionally accepted 48 hours since their abduction. They are yet to be released or presented before any court. The impunity!” Kyagulanyi wrote.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and the broader political implications surrounding the detention of Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards.
