3 remanded over robbing Chinese national of Shs 720m cash 

Buganda Road Magistrate’s court has remanded three suspects to Luzira prison on charges of aggravated robbery involving a Chinese businessman.

Jonathan Semanda, Joram Mwebesa (alias Epu or Joram Nasasira), and Ashraf Nsiko appeared before grade one magistrate Sienna Owomugisha who read them the charges.

The court heard that on November 15, 2023, along Sezibwa Road near Fang Fang hotel in Kampala Central Division, the suspects allegedly robbed Hewei of a black bag containing $190,000 (equivalent of Shs 721 million). The robbery reportedly involved the use of a panga, causing grievous harm to Hewei.

Owomugisha cautioned the accused persons to refrain from entering a plea as the court lacked jurisdiction to try them for aggravated robbery, which is a capital offense. Senior state prosecutor Martin Nambafu highlighted ongoing inquiries, requesting remand for the accused individuals until December 18, 2023, to conclude investigations.

Although physically appearing as minors, the prosecution clarified that all three accused are 18 years old. Investigations continue amidst cautionary advice from the police against carrying substantial sums of money without adequate security, particularly for foreigners. This incident follows a similar robbery involving another Chinese national, Lee Shao whose Shs 200 million was stolen on Wilson Road. Shao, despite firing at the assailants, did not apprehend them.

This recent event evokes a previous tragedy involving the late Ito Okira, a Japanese national who lost his life after a robbery in Kampala last September. Okira’s attackers face charges, including murder, and are presently remanded at Luzira Maximum Prison.