Yusuf Nyanzi, the main suspect in the attempted murder of Gen Katumba Wamala in June 2021 has been acquitted by the High court.

Nyanzi has been in and out of Luzira prison for eight years and is facing three separate high-profile murder cases, including the murder of Maj Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard Sgt Steven Mukasa. He also faces charges related to the murder of former police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who was killed seven years ago. He was previously granted bail in the Kiggundu and Kaweesi murder cases.

Alongside Hussein Sserubula, Nyanzi was set free yesterday Monday 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 Katumba himself.

The two were released by justice Alice Komuhangi, in a ruling 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. Nakawa Magistrate’s court committed the accused in 2021 on five charges, including the attempted murder of Wamala, his bodyguards Sgt 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 Katumba’s daughter Nantongo and his driver, Sgt Kayondo. 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 Shs 385 million 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 16, 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.

Meanwhile, the office of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) 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.