KAMPALA – The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala has convicted two men for the murder of Ndiga Clan leader Engineer Kakeedo Bbosa Lugya after they pleaded guilty to the charge.
Lugya Bbosa, also known as Tabula, and his relative Noah Lugya, alias Fake, were convicted on Thursday by High Court Judge David Matovu after admitting the prosecution’s account of the events surrounding Bbosa’s killing.
When asked whether the prosecution’s facts were true, Tabula admitted the allegations and asked the court for forgiveness, while Noah simply responded that the facts were true. The judge subsequently entered convictions based on their pleas of guilty.
Prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo, told court that the two were among several suspects accused of participating in the killing of Bbosa on February 25, 2024, at Kikandwa in Lungujja.
The prosecution alleged that the murder was linked to a long-running dispute over the leadership of the Ndiga Clan. Bbosa had been installed as clan leader and subsequently served as Mutaka Lwomwa in the Buganda Kingdom hierarchy.
According to the prosecution, Bbosa had returned from Katosi on the day of his death after attending a clan function. He was travelling home with his wife, Gladys, and a househelp when he encountered two people riding on a motorcycle near his residence.
The vehicle reportedly slowed down after the occupants were spotted. One of the men allegedly got off the motorcycle and shot Bbosa before the attackers fled.
Bbosa was later found inside his Toyota Prado, registration number UAH 637. The vehicle had bullet damage and shattered windows. A post-mortem examination established that he died from gunshot wounds.
Investigators subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle during the pursuit of suspects. The prosecution said one of the alleged participants, Enock Sserunkuma, alias Munaku, was killed by a mob, while Noah was rescued and taken to Mulago Hospital for treatment.
Forensic and ballistic examinations, according to the prosecution, found that the recovered firearm was functional and capable of firing ammunition. Spent cartridges collected from the crime scene were also allegedly matched to the firearm.
Investigators further relied on CCTV footage, telephone call records and other forensic evidence to establish the movements and communications of some of the suspects before and after the murder.
The prosecution alleged that plans to kill Bbosa were discussed during meetings held between November and December 2023. Several possible methods were reportedly considered, including poisoning, before the suspects allegedly settled on using a firearm.
The prosecution further alleged that Tabula opposed Bbosa’s installation as Ndiga Clan leader, claiming that the position belonged to him by birthright. He was accused of recruiting Sserunkuma and Noah and providing the firearm used in the attack.
Among the evidence presented by the prosecution were the post-mortem report, charge and caution statements, extra-judicial statements, CCTV footage, forensic reports, scene-of-crime documentation and ballistic evidence.
Three other people charged in connection with the murder, Harriet Nakiguli, Joseph Nakabake and Ezra Mayanja, have denied the allegations and are yet to stand trial.
Following the conviction of Tabula and Noah, the High Court has started hearing submissions on aggravating and mitigating circumstances to guide the determination of their sentences.
The two convicts are expected to be sentenced after the prosecution and defence complete their submissions on the appropriate punishment.
Richard Kumbuga represented the convicts on state brief, while Simon Tendo Kabege appeared for Bbosa’s family in a watching brief.
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