Sandra Ainebyoona.
Ivan Wabwire has been further remanded in custody for the alleged cold-blooded murder of Uttam Bhandari, an Indian national and director of TFS Financial Services. The accused, Police Constable Ivan Wabwire, appeared before Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi where he was remanded until August 24, 2023. The prosecution, led by state attorney Ivan Kyazze, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing.
The incident, which occurred on May 12 of this year at Raja Chambers along Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala, revolves around a grim disagreement over a pending loan. The charge sheet states that Wabwire, with alleged malice aforethought, unlawfully took the life of Bhandari in a shocking act of violence. Bhandari, a prominent figure in the financial sector, was reportedly killed by Wabwire following a heated dispute regarding an outstanding loan.
Wabwire, a 30-year-old police constable, was previously charged with murder, a grave offense carrying a maximum penalty of death upon conviction. However, the magistrate refrained from allowing Wabwire to enter a plea, citing the severity of the crime and the lack of jurisdiction of her court.
Details emerging from the investigation shed light on the tragic sequence of events leading to Bhandari’s untimely demise. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga revealed that the dispute between Wabwire and Bhandari escalated over an allegedly “inflated” interest amount of sh200,000 ($approximately 54 USD). This interest reportedly stemmed from two loans that Wabwire had procured from Bhandari, totaling sh1m ($approximately 270 USD) each, with annual interest rates exceeding sh320,000 ($approximately 86 USD).
Trouble began brewing on May 11 when negotiations between Wabwire and Bhandari regarding the trade-off quotation of sh200,000 interest fell apart. The situation escalated when Wabwire, wearing his police uniform and armed with an AK-47 rifle, returned to Bhandari’s office at Raja Chambers on May 12. Disturbing video footage reveals the tense encounter, with Wabwire seen brandishing his weapon, attempting to disable the CCTV camera, and ultimately firing the fatal shot at Bhandari.
The legal proceedings have brought forth critical issues related to the alleged murder. The charges against Wabwire are based on sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act and carry severe implications. The court’s decision to remand Wabwire reflects the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigations.
