19th October 2023
KAMPALA, Uganda | After a long and emotionally charged trial, the High Court in Kampala has finally delivered its verdict in the heart-wrenching murder case of former social worker Maria Nagirinya and her driver, Ronald Kitayimbwa. In a courtroom filled with anticipation, five individuals have been convicted for the gruesome murder that shook the nation in August 2019, while one has been acquitted of all charges.
The convicted individuals include Copriam Kasolo, known as Arsenal, Johnson Lubega, also known as Etoo, Manomano, and Rasta, Nasif Kalyango, alias Muwonge, Hassan Kiseka, known as Masadda, and Sharif Mpanga, alias Shafiq. The presiding judge, Isaac Muwata, stated that the state prosecutor had successfully proven beyond a reasonable doubt that these individuals were responsible for the abduction and murder of Maria Nagirinya and her driver, Ronald Kitayimbwa.
Sadata Katerega, the co-accused in this tragic case, has been acquitted. The judge found no incriminating evidence against Katerega, emphasizing that although he might have been involved, the evidence presented in court did not implicate him in the crime.
During the trial, the judge highlighted the fact that none of the suspects distanced themselves from the incident. Instead, they went into hiding immediately after the crime was committed, and they were eventually arrested. The judge’s decision was influenced by the call data, which showed that the accused were in direct communication during the time of the abduction and murder. Therefore, all five convicted individuals have been held responsible for this heinous crime.
Justice Muwata largely relied on the testimony of Isaac Senabulya, who had previously pleaded guilty to his involvement in the case and received a 40-year prison sentence. The judge considered Senabulya’s evidence crucial since he had been present at the scene of the kidnapping and murder.
This tragic story began on August 28, 2019, when Maria Nagirinya and Ronald Kitayimbwa were violently abducted from the streets of Lungujja, sending shockwaves throughout the country. Their lifeless bodies were discovered later in Mukono, leading to murder charges against Kasolo Corporiyanamu, Lubega Johnson, Kalyango Nassif, Kisekka Hassan, Mpanga Shariff, and Ivan Mutagubya.
During the proceedings, charges were withdrawn against Raymond Marcos Okori, and Isaac Ssenabulya, known as Kisunsu, pleaded guilty and received a 45-year prison sentence based on his confession.
The verdict marks a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families, bringing closure to a painful chapter in Uganda’s history. It is a reminder that justice can prevail, even in the face of such a heart-wrenching tragedy.
