The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has handed down an eight-year jail term to four individuals convicted of conspiring to assassinate former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gen Edward Kale Kayihura and Namayingo District Police Commander (DPC) Maj Francis Okumu.
Okuku Sadam Umalu, Osinya Colline, Joseph Ojambo, and Lwanga Abudala were sentenced on Friday by Justice Andrew Bashaija, who found them guilty of theft and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder.
The verdict and subsequent sentencing followed a plea bargain agreement with Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo.
According to court proceedings, between May and June 2016, the accused stole two AK-47 rifles along with 60 rounds of live ammunition from Nakudi Police Post in Namayingo District, located in eastern Uganda. The theft was discovered after a gunshot was reported at a resident’s home in Sirowa Village, prompting a police operation that led to the arrest of Okuku and his accomplices.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to stealing the firearms with the intent to commit robberies and eliminate individuals perceived as obstacles to the Tabliq sect’s mission, including Gen Kale Kayihura, Maj Okumu, and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
Additionally, they admitted to a previous gun theft from a policeman in 2015, which they utilized in various attempted and successful robberies across eastern Uganda.
Justice Bashaija ratified their plea bargain agreement and imposed an eight-year sentence on each count, to be served concurrently.
