By THE INDEPENDENT UG
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The International Crimes Division of the High Court has officially charged individuals connected to the killing of Major Mohammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sergeant Steven Mukasa. Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire confirmed multiple charges on Monday, and the accused will now face trial before a designated panel.
The charged individuals include Sheikh Yahaya Ramathan Mwanje, the deputy Amir Ummah, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi, Jibril Kalyango, Bruhan Balyejusa, and Noordin Lutaaya, all facing allegations of murder. Additionally, Mohammed Buyondo, Abdul Wahab Sendegeya, Musa Sekandi, Nyanzi Yusuf Siraje, Balyejjusa Bruhan, and Noordin Lutaaya were charged with aiding and abetting terrorism. Charges of belonging to a terrorist organization were also confirmed against Balyejjusa and Lutaaya.
The ruling followed assessments of the evidence’s sufficiency supporting the charges, with Justice Wabwire affirming that the presented evidence substantiates the accusations.
The investigation disclosed that Sheikh Yahaya Mwanje was seen near the Northern bypass shortly before the murder of Kiggundu and Mukasa in Masanafu, a Kampala suburb, on November 26th, 2016. Court records also indicate frequent communication between Mwanje and his co-accused, including regularly deleted call logs post-conversations.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleges that Mwanje, then the head of Nakasero Mosque, made threats against Kiggundu and certain Muslim clerics due to disagreements over mosque leadership and projects.
All the accused maintain their innocence and are currently out on bail, except for Noordin Lutaya and Nyanzi. Nyanzi remains in custody for the murder of General Katumba Wamala’s daughter, Brenda Nantongo, and driver Haruna Kayondo, along with charges linked to the killings of former Police Spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi, his driver Kenneth Erau, and Godfrey Mambewa.
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