The High Court in Kampala has handed long prison sentences to a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer, a police officer, and five civilians for their roles in the 2018 murder of Rukungiri businessman Goddie Ainobushoborozi.

Criminal Division Judge Alex Mackay Ajiji on Wednesday issued sentences ranging from 18 to 37 years, describing the killing as “premeditated, brutal, and a grave abuse of public trust,” particularly by serving security officers sworn to protect life.

Court documents indicate that on the night of December 8, 2018, Ainobushoborozi was lured from his home under the pretext of recovering 70 million Shillings allegedly owed to him by Detective Corporal Lawrence Muheki of the Uganda Police.

Trusting the claim, Ainobushoborozi left home on a motorcycle with his friend, Jude Mugumya. While traveling along the Rukungiri-Buhunga road, they encountered what appeared to be a roadblock made of stones and logs. Masked attackers emerged from the darkness, some armed with a rifle.

Mugumya managed to escape, but Ainobushoborozi was left behind, shot at close range, and killed instantly. Investigators later recovered two spent cartridges and mobile phones at the scene.

During sentencing submissions, State Prosecutor Irene Nakimbugwe argued that the murder was carefully orchestrated by civilians and serving security officers.

“The crime was carried out in a premeditated manner using firearms, leaving a family and community devastated,” Nakimbugwe said. She added that the accused had abused their positions and asked the court to impose sentences that reflected the severity of the offence and would serve as a deterrent.

Nakimbugwe described Ainobushoborozi as a respected businessman and family man whose life was senselessly cut short, noting that some of the convicts had a constitutional duty to protect life but instead participated in its destruction.

In mitigation, the accused asked the court to consider their personal circumstances, the time spent on remand since 2018, and their potential for rehabilitation. Frank Mugisha and Capt. Moses Akiba highlighted that they had no prior criminal records and had cooperated with investigators. Rashid Kashaija acknowledged previous convictions, some under appeal, and pleaded for leniency, citing family responsibilities.

Other convicts, including Hilary Ahumuza, Abed Mwesiga, and Akiba, emphasized that they were family men and sole providers for young children. Several mentioned their age, health concerns, and remorse, requesting sentences that would allow for rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

Justice Ajiji stated that while mitigation factors were considered, the severity of the crime, careful planning, and betrayal of public trust outweighed them.

Frank Mugisha, who helped plan and execute the ambush, was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Capt. Moses Akiba, who coordinated the attack but did not fire the fatal shot, received 27 years, while Detective Corporal Rashid Kashaija, who engaged Ainobushoborozi during the attack, was sentenced to 30 years.

Hilary Ahumuza, the individual who fired the fatal shot, received 35 years. Abed Mwesiga, who followed the victim and supplied intelligence to the attackers, received 27 years. Lawrence Muheki, identified as the mastermind, was handed the longest sentence of 37 years. Another convict, Roden, whose role was minor, was sentenced to 27 years.

The court accounted for the time already spent on remand for all convicts. Justice Ajiji also ordered that Mugisha be kept separate from other prisoners due to his role in the crime and concerns for his safety.

Family members of Ainobushoborozi, present during the hearing, expressed disappointment, saying they had hoped for the death penalty. They noted that since the gang’s arrest, incidents of robbery in Rukungiri have significantly decreased.

URN