Three Rwandan Refugees Held Over Violent Robbery, Panga Attack in Kisenyi

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1218 EAT on Friday 13 March 2026

Six people, including three Rwandan nationals, have been remanded to Luzira Prison over their alleged involvement in the violent robbery of Shs63 million at a shopping mall in Kisenyi.

The suspects on Thursday appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Law Development Centre in Makerere, presided over by Chief Magistrate Timothy Lumunye.

They face charges of aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. The Rwandan nationals were identified in court records as Asuman Balituha, Elvis Zabayo and James Muhizi, all boda boda riders and registered refugees.

The Ugandan co-accused are Brighton Kusasira, also known as “Ssekuliima Management,” a 25-year-old businessman from Masajja ‘A’, Kibira in Makindye-Ssabagabo; Ronald Mwesige, a boda boda rider from Bulenga; and Abdul Swamadu, a car washer from Kawanda.

Court heard that the incident occurred on February 20, 2026, at Shop No. KP 5/4 at Gwanda Shopping Mall in Kisenyi. The suspects are accused of attacking businessman Michael Moses Ssekuliima while armed with pangas and robbing him of Shs63 million.

The victim had reportedly gone to deposit the money through an agent banking service when he was assaulted. The prosecution, led by state attorney Patricia Cingtho, further alleges that earlier in February the group planned the robbery from different parts of Kampala, including Makindye Division and Rubaga Division.

Cingtho told court that investigations into the matter are still ongoing. During the court session, the accused complained of torture, claiming they had spent 20 days in police custody without adequate food and had been transferred between several police stations.

Court also heard that Swamadu may be a minor and not 20 years old as indicated on the charge sheet, and should therefore be handled in line with juvenile justice laws. In response, Chief Magistrate Timothy Lumunye said the court would follow up on the complaints, adding that for now the accused would be remanded to prison where food is provided.

Lumunye also directed prison authorities to subject Swamadu to a medical examination to determine his exact age and establish whether he should be detained in a juvenile facility.

He further said a Rwandan interpreter would be secured on the next court date so that the charges can be explained to the three Rwandan nationals in a language they understand. The accused were remanded to Luzira Prison until March 30, 2026. Aggravated robbery is a capital offence that carries the death penalty upon conviction.

-Observer

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