MASAKA.
Three private guards of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine have been charged with six counts of robbery and malicious damage to property.
The trio -Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart appeared before Masaka Chief Magistrate Abdullah Kayiiza who read to them charges of aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault and malicious damage to property.
He later remanded the accused to Masaka Main Prison until March 13.
Prosecution alleges that on May 18,2024 the three robbed a female journalist working with Radio Simba , Margret Kayondo’s sweater, and a mobile phone worth Shs 730,0000. Immediately after the said robbery, court heard the trio assaulted Zainab Namusaazi Ssengendo, another female in Masaka working for NBS TV . In the scuffle, Namusaazi’s video camera ,which she was using to film the event worth Shs1.5m was destroyed.
The scuffle reportedly occurred at Manja Village in Lwengo District where the female reporters had gone to cover the burial of businessman Pascal Ssekasamba who died in the UK . Bobi Wine was among the mourners .
Court also heard that the trio also stole Shs 200,000 from Mulungi Rodgers and Mukalaazi John. They also assaulted Drake Lubega and Haruna Ssekitto whose mobile phones were also stolen during the same funeral ceremony .
Prosecution led by Michael Wakosesa told court that investigations into the matter were still ongoing and sought an adjournment.
Mr Samuel Muyiizi ,the lead counsel for the accused persons however said the charges leveled against his client were over exaggerated by the prosecution ,insisting that some of the issues put on the charge sheet such as use of sharp objects were not in the complainants’ statements.
“ How can someone accused stealing of mobile phone be charged with aggravated robbery ? Such charges could be slapped against armed robbers. All this is just intended to push the matter to the High Court where they know well that Masaka doesn’t currently have high court judges and securing bail for my clients will be difficult,” he said.
He also slammed the two female journalists for accepting to be used by the state in what he described as trumped-up charges.