Robert Ssentamu (L), the NUP president talks to his bodyguard, Edward Ssebuufu
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Visibly tormented and squeezed, Edward Ssebuufu, the city barber who is also chief bodyguard for Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Ssentamu, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), will see his day of freedom another day.
Having disappeared for days, Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, was dropped off at the Masaka Magistrates Court on Monday, May 5th by plain clothed security personnel.
Limping and supported by two individuals to walk, Ssebuufu was aligned in court before His Worship, Abudallah Kaiza – a Grade One Magistrate who read the charges against him.
The four charges include aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault and malicious damage to property. According to the amended charge sheet, a copy of which Habari Daily has seen, the persecution alleges that on May 18, 2024, Ssebuufu, alongside Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, Grace Wakabi Smart, and others still at large, robbed Margaret Kayondo, a Masaka-based journalist with Radio Simba, at Manja Village in Lwengo district.
This reportedly happened during the burial of Pascal Ssekasamba, a UK-based businessman and younger brother to former DP Secretary General, Mathias Nsubuga.
Lawyer’s account
Journalists were barred from capturing the proceedings, and had to rely on Ssebuufu lawyer for most of what transpired in court.
Counsel Magellan Kazibwe said the charges preferred against his client were the same ones under which Achleo Kivumbi, Wakabi and Gaddafi, also civilian bodyguards of the NUP President, were charged.
“Some of the same charges of simple robbery and aggravated robbery were preferred against the trio, who are also Ssentamu’s bodyguards,” he said.
State Prosecutor Michael Wakosesa informed court that investigations were ongoing. Magistrate Kaiza scheduled the next hearing for May 25th, when Ssebuufu is expected to appear for mention of his case.
Penalties
If found guilty of two of the four charges, the defendant may face the maximum penalty of 35 years in prison or death.
According to the Penal Code, simple robbery carries a maximum penalty of 10 year’s imprisonment in a magistrate’s court, while a High Court can impose a sentence of life imprisonment (which is 20 years).
Aggravated robbery on the other hand, which is defined as robbery with a deadly weapon, carries a maximum penalty of death, with a starting point of 35-years imprisonment if the death penalty is not imposed.
