Nakawa, Uganda: The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has further remanded four officers from the Uganda Police Flying Squad Unit who are facing serious charges of aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Detective Superintendent of Police (D/SP) James Besigye, Detective Corporal (D/CPL) Simon Owona, Detective Constable (D/C) Pracid Abdul Mulangira, and Detective Constable (D/C) Monday Tibaijuka appeared under tight security on Thursday, June 12, but raised eyebrows when they entered the courtroom wearing hooded jumpers that concealed their faces.
Trial Magistrate Frank Namanya immediately ordered the accused to unmask, expressing concern over their attempt to hide their identities in a public court.
“This is a court of law, I wonder why you keep your faces covered. What you are doing is wrong. I need to know the kind of people we are dealing with—are you humans or what? While here, we need to see and identify you. Put off your hoods,” Namanya directed.
The four officers complied, reluctantly pulling back their hoods as journalists clicked away with cameras in the packed courtroom.
Prosecution led by Martin Odongo Awiny informed the court that investigations into the case had been concluded, and the matter was up for mention and communication of charges.
The accused were further remanded to prison until July 16, 2025, when the case will return for mention.
Charges and Case Background
The state alleges that on May 9, 2025, the accused officers, together with others still at large, staged an armed robbery at Solent Avenue, Nakawa Division, targeting one John Vian Tumukunde.
According to the charge sheet, the stolen property included one kilogram of gold valued at USD 105,000 and USD 1,000 in cash. The suspects were reportedly armed with a pistol and AK-47 rifles at the time of the heist.
They are charged under Sections 266 and 267(1)(b)(2) of Uganda’s Penal Code Act, which cover aggravated robbery using deadly weapons and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The courtroom remained tense throughout the proceedings, with armed prison wardens surrounding the dock as the officers were led away.
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