In a significant verdict, the High Court in Kampala has found five men guilty of the murder of former social worker Maria Nagirinya and her driver, Ronald Kitayimbwa, in 2019.
The presiding judge, Isaac Muwata, stated that the state prosecutor had convincingly proven that Copriam Kasolo, Johnson Lubega (alias Etoo, Manomano, Rasta), Nasif Kalyango (alias Muwonge), Hassan Kiseka (alias Masadda), and Sharif Mpanga (alias Shafiq) had committed the gruesome crime following the victims’ abduction.
Sadat Katerega, their co-accused, was, however, acquitted of these charges in the case that sent shockwaves throughout the country at the time.
The judge’s decision hinged on the fact that none of the suspects distanced themselves from the incident.
Instead, they all went into hiding and were arrested, remaining in direct communication with each other, as evidenced by call records.
Consequently, the judge held all of them responsible for the crime.
Notably, there was a lack of incriminating evidence against Sadat Katerega, and although he might have been involved, the court found no compelling proof of his guilt.
Justice Muwata largely relied on the testimony of Isaac Senabulya, who had previously pleaded guilty and been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Senabulya’s evidence was considered credible because he was present at the scenes of the kidnapping and murder.
In terms of sentencing, Kasolo and Lubega received life imprisonment, while Kalyango, Kiseka, and Mpanga were each sentenced to 30 years in prison.
