Three remanded for robbing sh721 million cash from Chinese

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Buganda Road Grade One Magistrate’s Court has remanded three suspects to Luzira Prison on charges of aggravated robbery involving a Chinese businessman. The suspects, Jonathan Semanda, Joram Mwebesa (alias Epu or Joram Nasasira), and Ashraf Nsiko, were presented before Grade One Magistrate Sienna Owomugisha, who read them the charges.

The court heard that on November 15th, 2023, along Sezibwa Road near Fang Fang Hotel in Kampala Central Division, the suspects allegedly robbed a Chinese businessman Hewei of a Black Bag containing US$190,000 (equivalent to Shillings 721 million). The robbery reportedly involved the use of a panga, causing grievous harm to Hewei.

Owomugisha cautioned the accused persons to refrain from entering a plea as the court lacked jurisdiction to try them for aggravated robbery, which is a capital offense. Senior State Prosecutor Martin Nambafu highlighted ongoing inquiries, requesting remand for the accused individuals until December 18th, 2023, to conclude investigations.

Although physically appearing as minors, the prosecution clarified that all three accused are 18 years old. Investigations continue amidst cautionary advice from the police against carrying substantial sums of money without adequate security, particularly for foreigners. This incident follows a similar robbery involving a Chinese national, Lee Shao, where 200 million shillings were stolen on Wilson Road. Shao, despite firing at the assailants, did not apprehend them.

This recent event evokes a previous tragedy involving the late Ito Okira, a Japanese national who lost his life after a robbery in Kampala last September. Okira’s attackers face charges, including murder, and are presently remanded at Luzira Maximum Prison.

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