3 inmates charged over Kiburara prison food heist 

Three inmates of Kiburara prison have been charged with two counts of theft after allegedly breaking into the prison store to steal beans and posho.

 

The accused; Nicholas Byamukama, 21, Nelson Muhwezi, 30, and Ronald Kule, 25, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution led by resident state attorney Ali Semakula alleges that on March 31, 2024, the trio took advantage of the morning rains to steal grains from the prison stores.  

Semakula told court that the trio broke into the prison’s food store and stole three sacks of beans, estimated to weigh 350kg, and about 20 kilograms of maize valued at Shs 950,000.  

During the court appearance on Wednesday before grade one magistrate Esther Murungi, Semakula presented the first prosecution witness, Sgt Wilson Bigira of Kiburara Government Prison Farm.  

Bigira testified that Muhwezi committed the crime while working with him at the store as part of his rehabilitation. He also informed court that Muhwezi confessed to stealing and was the mastermind behind the crime. The trio has been remanded until July 2, 2024, when the prosecution will present more witnesses.