Kampala court has remanded a hotel porter to prison over allegations of stealing thousands of dollars from a foreign military official staying in the city.
The accused, 39-year-old William Ssemata, a staff member at Serena Hotel Kampala, appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court where he denied a charge of theft.
The presiding magistrate, Rophine Achayo, ordered that he be remanded to Luzira Prison as investigations continue.
Prosecution alleges that Ssemata stole USD 12,000 from a South Sudanese army officer, identified as Aaron Jeremiah Balla Sudan, a Brigadier General in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
Court documents indicate that the officer had travelled to Uganda via Entebbe International Airport carrying over USD 12,000 intended for various purchases, including gifts for South Sudan President.
After exchanging a small portion of the money at the airport, he reportedly retained USD 12,000, which later went missing.
Investigators told court that upon arrival at the hotel, the officer’s luggage—comprising suitcases and a handbag—was handled by staff, including the accused, who had been tasked with delivering it to the guest’s room.
CCTV footage reportedly captured Ssemata in possession of the bags and later entering a lift alone. However, prosecutors noted that the absence of cameras inside the elevator created a blind spot during a crucial moment.
A statement from the hotel’s security department said internal reviews pointed to Ssemata as the only staff member who had direct access to the luggage within the timeframe the money is believed to have disappeared.
The case, led by State Attorney Grace Amy, remains under investigation. Ssemata was first arrested on April 18 and taken to Central Police Station Kampala before being formally charged in court.
He has been remanded until May 13, 2026, when he is expected to reappear before Trial Magistrate Ritah Kidasa for further proceedings.
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