The High Court has sentenced nine people to death and life imprisonment over the kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara, bringing to a close one of Uganda’s most shocking criminal cases.
The convicts were found guilty of kidnap with intent to obtain a ransom and the subsequent murder of Magara. The court handed down the death sentence after earlier convicting them and hearing mitigation.
Those sentenced are Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, Hajara Nakandi, Abubaker Kyewolwa, Mahad Kasalita, Hassan Kato Miiro, Musa Abbas Buwembo and Ismail Bukenya.
Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji sentanced Hajara Nakandi and Buvumbo Musa Abas to death for coming up with the decision to kill 28 year old Susan Magara after she had identified her kidnappers.
The court found that Nakandi and Buvumbo were the principal executors who carried out the act of killing. Their direct role in the injection, suffocation, and being in custody of the deceased at both Nateete and Konge detention places the highest degree of culpability.
Court ordered that the properties that were acquired using the ransom, that is, the 35 acres of land in Buikwe, an acre in Luweero, Isuzu trucks, mini bus coaster, Hiace vans and the motor vehicles used in the commission of the offence should be confiscated, forfeited and the proceeds from the sale be paid to the family of the late Susan Magara.
Magara, 28, was kidnapped in 2018 by unknown assailants while on her way home in Lungujja, Lubaga division.
Court heard that she was held captive 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 and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence.
According to security agencies, the operation followed intelligence linking the group to Magara’s murder and other criminal activities.
During the trial, which began in October 2023, the prosecution presented several witnesses, including Yusuf Muhindo, a senior Hansard editor at Parliament, police officer Sgt Enock Kiganyira and members of the victim’s family.
Magara’s father, John Magara, told court that the kidnappers initially 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 was subsequently informed that her body had been recovered in Kigo.
Flora Megara, the deceased’s paternal aunt, also testified that she delivered the ransom money to the kidnappers along Busabala road.
The murder sparked widespread public outrage and heightened concern over kidnappings for ransom in Uganda, prompting calls for tougher action against organised criminal networks.
