Traffic Officers and Trucker Remanded Over Alleged Extortion of Congolese Refugee

The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded two traffic police officers — Patrick Bulama Mugeni and Joel Tsibuhirwa — along with a truck driver, Geoffrey Wabwire, to Luzira Prison over alleged extortion from a Congolese national. 

The trio appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Thursday evening and denied the charge of conspiracy to commit a felony with intent to extort Mpadi Mampuya Dieu Merci, a 39-year-old Congolese refugee residing at Kyaka II refugee camp.

Prosecution led by Ivan Kyazze told court that the incident took place on April 11, 2025, at the Golf Course area in Kampala. The victim was reportedly en route to Medipal International Hospital after being called to clear mortuary fees for his deceased brother.

While on his way, two men dressed in civilian clothes allegedly stopped him, searched his belongings, and accused him of possessing fake documents. A scuffle ensued, prompting Golf Course Police to intervene and escort both parties to Kampala Central Police Station (CPS).

According to court documents, the two traffic officers insisted that the victim was impersonating someone else. However, the Golf Course Police intervened before anything was taken from the victim. “The Golf Course Police intervened before they got to know anything from me, and they had not taken anything from me — that’s all I can state now,” reads part of the complainant’s statement.

Prosecution informed the court that investigations are complete and requested for a hearing date. Magistrate Kayizzi advised the accused of their right to apply for bail, but noted that their sureties were not ready at the time of appearance. The accused were remanded to Luzira Prison until May 5, 2025, with the magistrate encouraging them to organize their sureties and required documents for a potential bail hearing.