Four Uganda Police Flying Squad Officers appeared in court on Thursday over a bold daylight robbery involving gold and cash. Their dramatic courtroom entrance quickly drew a sharp reaction from the presiding magistrate.
Detective Superintendent James Besigye, 38, Detective Corporal Simon Owona, 36, Detective Constable Pracid Abdul Mulangira, 33, and Detective Constable Monday Tibaijuka, 35, were brought to the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court under tight security. Notably, they wore masks and hooded jumpers that partially concealed their faces.
As a result, Chief Magistrate Frank Namanya immediately rebuked them. “This is a court of law. I wonder why you keep your faces covered. What you are doing is wrong,” he said. “We must know who we are dealing with. Are you humans or what? Put off your hoods.”
Consequently, the accused hesitated, but ultimately complied. As soon as they uncovered their faces, camera flashes filled the courtroom. Throughout the proceedings, armed prison wardens maintained a visible presence.
Meanwhile, State prosecutor Martin Odongo Awiny informed the court that investigations were still ongoing. Therefore, he requested that the case be adjourned and the suspects be kept in custody.
“The four accused are present and represented. Inquiries are still ongoing. The State requests an adjournment and that they remain on remand,” Mr. Awiny stated.
In response, Magistrate Namanya agreed with the prosecution. As such, he remanded the Uganda Police Flying Squad Officers until July 16 for further mention of the case.
According to the charge sheet, the officers and others still at large violently robbed John Vian Tumukunde on May 9, 2025. The robbery took place at Solent Avenue in Kampala’s Nakawa Division.
Specifically, the group stole one kilogram of gold worth $105,000 and $1,000 in cash. Eyewitnesses claim the suspects used a pistol and AK-47 rifles during the robbery. As expected, this elevated the severity of the charges.
The prosecution brought the charges under Sections 266 and 267(1)(b)(2) of the Penal Code Act. These provisions deal with armed robbery and carry strict penalties, including life imprisonment.
Clearly, the case has sent shockwaves through the public. These Uganda Police Flying Squad Officers, once celebrated for their crime-fighting skills, now face accusations of serious criminal conduct.
Furthermore, the case raises important questions about law enforcement accountability. How can citizens trust the same officers accused of violent crime?
Because of the officers’ former elite status, the case has drawn significant media and public attention. Therefore, many are watching closely to see whether the legal system will act with fairness and transparency.
The court’s next session, scheduled for July 16, may provide new information. Until then, public interest remains high, and debates over police reform have reignited.
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