By THE OBSERVER UG
Kampala city socialite Charles Olimi, popularly known as Sipapa, and his wife Shamila Nakiyemba will spend a second Christmas in jail as their robbery case has been adjourned to January 17, 2024.
Formally charged in the High Court on Wednesday with 13 counts of aggravated robbery and money laundering, Sipapa faces all 13 charges, while Nakiyemba faces five charges of aggravated robbery and three counts of money laundering. In their appearance before High Court Judge Michael Elubu, both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Representing the director of public prosecutions, prosecutors Timothy Amerit, Edward Muhumuza, and Joy Kahayiyi presented an opening statement expressing their intention to introduce forensic evidence placing the couple at the scene of the crime.
Defended by lawyers Henry Kunya and Susan Wakabala, the accused parties requested access to CCTV footage from both Sipapa’s residence and the complainant’s home, specifically regarding the events of August 29, 2022, when the alleged crime occurred.
In response, the prosecution proposed a joint analysis of the footage, a request granted by the court to be completed within seven days. The court appointed two assessors, Juliet Kasiidwa and Joseph Wasidi.
The allegations state that on August 29, 2022, at Bunga Kawuku, Makindye Division in Kampala district, Sipapa, Nakiyemba, and others, still at large, robbed six South Sudanese nationals of various belongings and cash. Among the victims, Jacob Arok Mul was allegedly robbed of $429,000 (about Shs 1.6 billion), two mobile phones (an iPhone valued at $3,200 and a Samsung), and a 75-inch TV valued at $4,000.
Other victims lost valuable items such as an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a golden belt, a golden chain, gold rings, and other possessions, collectively valued at millions of shillings and US dollars. The prosecution further claims that Sipapa, Nakiyemba, and their accomplices also targeted individuals like Chol Ateng, Deng Arok, Abig Yar, and James Manyok, robbing them of electronics, cash, and other valuables, rendering some victims unconscious during the robberies.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of most stolen items at the couple’s residence in Kira Municipality, Wakiso district, including vehicles, spare parts, and other items linked to the reported robberies. Police forensic analysis allegedly connected Sipapa to an additional 12 robbery cases.
Sipapa, known for causing traffic disruptions and engaging in skirmishes at the National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Kampala, had faced arrest and vehicle impoundment ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martins Ochola following an incident where he caused chaos and made threats. However, these directives were not executed until the reported robbery at Arok’s home.
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