The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala has convicted all nine people charged in the kidnap and murder of Susan Magara. On Monday, Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji delivered an 84-page judgment finding Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Abbas Musa Buwembo, Hussein Kato Miiro, Hajjara Nakandi and Muzamir Ssali guilty of kidnapping Magara with intent to obtain a ransom and the consequential murder. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions described the outcome as justice served. The judge agreed with the court assessors that the prosecution had proved its case against each of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. Magara, 28, was abducted on 7 February 2018 while driving home in Lungujja, Kampala. Her vehicle was found abandoned with the engine still running. She was held captive for nearly three weeks as the kidnappers demanded a large ransom. Despite the family paying about $200,000, she was killed. Her body was later recovered along the Entebbe Expressway. The nine maintained their innocence throughout the long trial. The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday for allocutus (mitigation) and sentencing. A murder conviction in Uganda carries a maximum penalty of death. The case, one of the most high-profile ransom killings in recent years, has lasted eight years from investigation to conviction. King Musah Media will follow the sentencing proceedings.
High Court Convicts All Nine Accused in Susan Magara Kidnap and Murder Case
More in News
Long-Serving Principal of Hillside Schools Naalya Passes Away After Collapsing During Medical Check-Up
Dr Henry Stanley Okia, the long-serving principal of Hillside Schools Naalya and a respected educationist with more than 40 years of service, has died. He collapsed while at a hospital for a medical check-up.
Kenyan Mother Allegedly Stabs Five Children in Kampala, Two Dead
A 43-year-old Kenyan woman is under investigation after allegedly stabbing her five children at their home in Kalungu-Bunga, Makindye Division, Kampala, killing two and injuring three others.
Local Government Minister Uncovers Inflated Costs and Shoddy Work at Panyimur Health Centre III During Anti-Corruption Tour
Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara was shocked during an inspection in Pakwach District after learning that a kitchen at Panyimur Health Centre III had cost Shs350 million amid other signs of poor workmanship and alleged mismanagement.