Civilians sentenced to 30 years by army court for attempted murder and robbery

Summary:

• Two civilians, Peter Basara and Gideon Mugisa, received a 30-year sentence for aggravated robbery and attempted murder from the Muhooti Barracks military court in Fort Portal.

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The military court at Muhooti Barracks in Fort Portal has imposed a 30-year sentence on two civilians convicted of aggravated robbery and attempted murder.

Residents of Ntoroko District, 26-year-old Peter Basara and 31-year-old Gideon Mugisa, were found guilty and sentenced by Lieutenant Colonel Benon Besigye, the chairperson of the court, on Tuesday.

Initially facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery, the duo had pleaded not guilty during the proceedings at the Mountain Division Court Martial.

The charges against them arose from events that unfolded on September 19, 2022, around 11 pm. According to the prosecution, Basara and Mugisa shot Timothy Mutegeki with malicious intent, causing injuries, and simultaneously committed aggravated robbery, seizing Shs 2,800,000 from the victim.

Before the conviction, five witnesses identified the suspects through an identification parade.

Lt Cl Besigye informed the convicted individuals of their right to appeal the judgment within 14 days.

The court handed down sentences of 7 years, 20 years, and 30 years for the offenses of unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery, respectively. Importantly, these sentences are to be served concurrently at Katoju Government Prison in Fort Portal City.

In a related case on October 22, 2023, the same court in Muhooti sentenced Corporal Peter Avugo Lomila to life imprisonment for three counts of murder committed on July 14, 2023, at the division headquarters. Lt Cl Benon Besigye, the chairperson of the Mountain Division headquarters military court, announced the sentence, allowing the possibility of an appeal within 14 days.