KAMPALA, Uganda — Four police officers attached to the Flying Squad unit at Kireka police barracks have been remanded to Luzira prison by the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court.
The officers are accused of the aggravated robbery of businessman John Vian Tumukunde, involving one kilogram of gold valued at over Shs 380 million.
The accused, identified as Detective Superintendent of Police James Besigye Kiguuya, Detective Corporals Simon Owona and Pracid Mulangira, and Monday Tibaijuka, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Frank Namanya on Friday.
They were charged with aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The prosecution alleges that on May 9, 2025, at Solent Avenue in Nakawa Division, the accused officers, along with others still at large, robbed Tumukunde of gold worth $105,000 (approximately Shs 380 million) and $1,000 in cash.
The officers are alleged to have used deadly weapons, including pistols and guns, during the commission of the robbery. The prosecution further contends that the group had conspired beforehand to carry out the crime.
The accused were not permitted to enter a plea as the charges are capital offenses, which can only be adjudicated by the High Court. State Attorney Odong Martin Awiny informed the court that investigations are still ongoing.
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Magistrate Namanya remanded the suspects until June 12th. Cases of fraud related to gold continue to increase in Uganda, with foreign investors frequently among the victims.
Security personnel, often in collaboration with dishonest individuals posing as legal professionals, have been implicated in numerous high-value scams.
Some law firms accused of complicity maintain that they are only providing legal services within the bounds of the law.
