The High Court has convicted nine accused persons in the kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The convicts were found guilty of kidnap with intent to procure a ransom and the consequent murder. Court adjourned the matter to tomorrow for allocutus and sentencing.
Those convicted are Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, Hajara Nakandi, Abubaker Kyewolwa, Mahad Kasalita—an imam at Usafi mosque—Hassan Kato Miiro, Musa Abbas Buwembo and Ismail Bukenya.
Magara, 28, was kidnapped in 2018 by unknown assailants while on her way home in Lungujja, Lubaga division.
Court heard that she was held for about three weeks, tortured and later killed despite her family paying a ransom of about $200,000 (approximately Shs 700 million).
The suspects were arrested in April during an operation at Usafi mosque conducted by a joint security team comprising the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Security agencies said the operation followed intelligence linking the group to Magara’s murder and other criminal activities.
Hearing of the case began in October 2023, with the prosecution presenting several witnesses, including Yusuf Muhindo, a senior Hansard editor at parliament, police officer Sgt Enock Kiganyira, and family members.
Her father, John Magara, recounted the ordeal, telling court how kidnappers demanded $1 million (about Shs 3 billion) for her release before the family paid part of the ransom.
He testified that the family later received a package allegedly containing the victim’s fingers, and that he was informed by President Yoweri Museveni that his daughter’s body had been recovered in Kigo.
Flora Megara, the deceased’s paternal aunt, also told court that she delivered the ransom money to the kidnappers along Busabala road.
The killing of Magara sparked widespread public outrage and heightened concern over kidnappings for ransom in Uganda, prompting calls for stronger security measures and tougher action against organised criminal networks.
