Four face death over murder of SFC commando

Four suspected gangsters accused of murdering Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) finest commando, Major Noel Mwesigye, could suffer death if convicted of murder.

Manisur Olenga, 35, a resident of Nkokonjeru Cell, Bombo Town Council in Luwero district and Rashid Yiga alias Mucholi, 35, a builder, aboding at Kiguli Zone, Wobulenzi sub county were on Monday (May 3, 2021) charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

The charges contravene Sections 188, 189, 285 and 286 (2) of the Penal Code Act Cap 120 and each carries a maximum sentence of death, upon conviction.

Among other co-accused included; Steven Kisuule, 28, a boda boda rider residing at Mabanda cell, Matuga sub county in Wakiso district and Rogers Mwanje, 24, a resident of Buvuma village, Kakooge sub county in Nakasongola district.

Mwesigye, who took part in UPDF’s decisive battles against Al Shabaab in Somalia was also a former commander of the Special Forces Commando Unit.

He was allegedly killed by the group in January this year, prompting the arrest of the accused.

The group appeared before the General Court Martial (GCM) chaired by Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti. They denied the charges.

“This court has entered a plea of not guilty for the four of accused in the dock, you are therefore remanded to Kitalya Government Prison until May 25, 2021 for mention of your case,” Gutti said.

Gutti’s adjournment followed a request from the prosecution led by Major Elly Ekyaruhanga and Capt. Ambroz Guma who sought court to adjourn the case to allow them complete investigations regarding the case.

“My Lord Chairman, inquiries are still ongoing, we, therefore, pray for an adjournment to enable us complete the same,” Ekyaruhanga submitted.

The defence counsel Major Silas Kamanda Mutungi did not object to the state’s request, prompting an adjournment.