Kampala, Uganda | URN | A Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier has been remanded to Makindye Military Police barracks on charges of robbing Shs 100 million from Shafik Bukenya, a businessman dealing in gold.
Lance Corporal Eric Tumwine Bizimungu also known as John attached to the 3rd Battalion was on Monday afternoon charged before the General Court Martial presided over by Lt Gen Andrew Gutti.
Tumwine was charged together with James Namisi, aka Papa Commander, a boda boda rider and resident of Butabika Hospital Quarters and Titus Wandera Luboho, an Airtel Money agent and resident of Kirinya Zone, Kiira Municipality in Wakiso district.
Others are: Alex Wangutusi Timbiti, aka Bob a Peasant and resident of Mbuya Katoogo LC I in Nakawa Division, Derrick Nanyindo, a driver and resident in Kirinya Parish, Kireka Town Council in Wakiso district and Jordan Muwonge, also driver residing in Naguru in Kampala city.
It is alleged that the accused persons and others still at large, on December 26, 2021 while at Gambwa Trading Centre along Myazi-Kassanda road in Kasanda district robbed Shafik Bukenya of his cash amounting to Shs 100 million and immediately before and after the robbery, they used violence on him to retain the stolen money.
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The suspects however denied the charges and the civilians been remanded to Kigo prison until June 14, 2022 as investigations continue. Bukenya is a businessman dealing in gold and at the time of the robbery, he had left his home in Kasangati and gone to purchase gold around Mubende and Kasanda mines.
This is not the first time that one of the suspects Alex Wangutusi aka Timbiti is being arraigned before the General Court Martial for robbery related to gold. Barely a year ago, Timbiti was arrested together with 8 suspects on charges of robbing 30 kilograms of gold worth millions of money from from Muhindo Buhangwa, his mobile phone, Shs 160,000 cash and also Shs 165,000 from Moses Kamatha among other items.
But Timbiti and his co accused were given bail, which he has reportedly violated and committed these fresh crimes.
