The International Crimes Division of the High Court has convicted seven out of the twelve individuals arrested for terrorism, unrelated to the murder of former Buyende District Police Commander, Muhammad Kirumira.
Jamil Muwonge, Ibrahim Kavuma, Uthman Mugoya, Luutu Kimuli, Juma Swabalu Sekiti, Daniel Kaaya, and Ismail Ssewanyana have been in custody for approximately five years.
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They were found guilty of various terrorism-related charges and received sentences ranging from seven to ten years, depending on their specific charges. These convictions resulted from a plea bargain agreement and a guilty plea, and the accused individuals acknowledged that they voluntarily signed the agreements.
Notably, Ismail Ssewanyana faced additional charges related to child trafficking and recruiting children into the Allied Democratic Force rebel ranks, which deeply concerned the judge.
The remaining accused persons who did not opt for a plea bargain will have their cases reallocated, as Justice Okalany expressed her unwillingness to try them due to her previously indicated position.
The convicted individuals were returned to prison to serve their sentences, and their arrests followed the murder of Muhammad Kirumira in 2018.
The accused had reported severe torture during their initial detention, which may have influenced their decision to opt for a plea bargain.
Additionally, in 2019, they informed the Nakawa Magistrate’s Court about deteriorating health conditions resulting from injuries sustained during their detention by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), citing beatings, deprivation, and inadequate facilities as contributing factors.
