Yusuf Nyanzi, who has been in and out of Luzira Prison for eight years facing charges in three high-profile cases, has been acquitted by the International Crimes Division of the High Court on the attempted murder of Works and Transport Minister General Katumba Wamala.
Alongside Hussein Sserubula, Nyanzi was set free after the court found insufficient evidence to incriminate them in the charges of terrorism and the murder of Katumba’s daughter Brenda Nantongo Wamala, and his driver Haruna Kayondo, as well as the attempted murder of Gen Katumba himself.The two were released in a ruling by Justice Alice Komuhangi, which was relayed by Registrar Juliet Harty Hatanga.
However, the same court has confirmed charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated robbery, and affiliation with a terrorist organization against six other accused persons namely Muhammad Kagugube, Sirimani Kisambira, Abdullah Aziz Ramadhan, Dunka, Kamada Walusimbi, Habib Ramadhan Marjan, and Huzaifah Wampa. These charges stem from various murders and robberies within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The Nakawa Magistrates Court committed the accused in 2021 on five charges, including the attempted murder of General Katumba Wamala, his bodyguard Sergeant Khalid Kuboit, and Boniface Mucunguzi.
This incident occurred on June 1, 2021, along Kisota road in Kisaasi, a suburb of Kampala, resulting in the tragic deaths of Brenda Nantongo, General Katumba Wamala’s daughter, and his driver, Sergeant Haruna Kayondo. The court has also confirmed charges of murder against the six accused persons, alleging their involvement in various criminal activities.
On May 29, 2019, at Cheap General Hardware in Nansana, Wakiso district, the suspects, along with others, allegedly caused the deaths of Jimmy Atukuru, Frank Anania, Abaho Frank Mutsinda, and Amim Bugembe. Additionally, they stole 385 million Shillings from Tedrin Nalule, the cashier.
On April 27, 2019, at City Shoppers Supermarket in Kanyanya, Mpererwe, Kawempe division, Kampala district, the accused murdered Burton Okoti and attempted to murder Jalia Nantambi while stealing money from Precious Kayesu and Aisha Nakafeero.
The accused are also implicated in the murders at Denovo Bakery in Kalerwe, Kampala district, on September 16th, 2017. These incidents resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two special police constables, Hussein Mubiru and Moses Kalungi, and injuries to others. Furthermore, they are accused of stealing money from Nawal Nakatudde at Denovo Bakery and attempting to kill her.
Between March 2015 and June 2021, in various locations in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the accused, along with others, allegedly provided financial support to Hussein Lubwama alias Master for the commission and preparation of acts of terrorism. The court also found incriminating evidence during the search of the accused persons’ homes, including weapons and materials related to the crimes.
Yusuf Nyanzi, who was discharged Monday, has been facing three separate high-profile cases, including the murder of Major Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sergeant Steven Mukasa. Nyanzi also faces charges related to the murder of former Police Spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who was killed seven years ago. Although he was granted bail in the Kiggundu and Kaweesi murder cases, there are concerns about possible re-arrest.
In response, Nyanzi’s lawyer, Turyamusiima, expressed relief at his client’s release after many years but remains apprehensive about potential rearrest.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), through its spokesperson Jacquelyn Okui, announced their readiness to prosecute the remaining six suspects, who have been committed to face trial before a Panel of three Judges of the International Crimes Division.