Soldier Testifies in Susan Magara Murder Trial Revealing Gruesome Details

A Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier, who lost his left arm during an operation to apprehend suspects linked to the murder of Susan Magara, a cashier at Bwendeiro Diary has testified before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala.

Sergeant Suudi Isabirye from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), appeared in court presided over by Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji on Monday. Isabirye testified in the case involving nine suspects facing charges of kidnapping with the intent of seeking ransom and subsequent murder. The accused are Abas Buvumbo, Yusuf Lubega, Hussein Wasswa, Muzamiru Ssali, Hassan Kato Miiro, Hajara Nakandi, Abubaker Kyewolwa, Mahad Kasalita, and Ismail Bukenya.   

Isabirye, 48, recounted the events of February 22nd, 2018, stating that he received orders from his superiors to reinforce police at Usafi Mosque during an operation.  He explained that while there, someone emerged from the Mosque, shouting "Allah Akbar," and severed his hand. Isabirye woke up in a hospital a week later, finding his arm missing, and remains with a severely injured limb to date. Despite his testimony, Isabirye admitted to not witnessing who had cut off his arm or identifying any of the nine suspects currently on trial. 

Following Isabirye's testimony, the Prosecution presented Detective Lawrence Kayondo, a forensic officer with the Uganda Police Force, as its 12th witness. Kayondo provided photographic evidence, including images of the Toyota Rav 4 used in Magara's kidnapping, two fingers severed from Magara before her murder, a memory card containing a video clip, and mobile phones allegedly used by the kidnappers to demand ransom. 

Prosecution, based on evidence presented, contends that the nine suspects kidnapped and murdered Susan Magara on February 7th, 2018. Allegedly, Magara's family paid 700 million Shillings as ransom, but the kidnappers still murdered her and dumped her body in Kitiko, Kigo. Court sessions, where photography of witnesses is prohibited, continue today (Tuesday). 

Prosecution evidence indicates that the accused targeted affluent individuals and their family members, with Magara becoming the first victim of their ransom-driven kidnappings. The investigation revealed that Magara was abducted in Lungujja and held captive for three weeks while negotiations for a US$1 million ransom took place with her family. After receiving US$200,000 of the ransom, the kidnappers allegedly murdered Magara and disposed of her body.

Police recovered various exhibits, such as land titles and vehicles, purchased using ransom money. The investigation also uncovered that Magara overheard conversations involving Hajara Nakandi's visitors while captive. Fearful of exposure, the suspects allegedly convened at Usafi Mosque and decided to suffocate Magara with a polythene bag to prevent her from revealing their identities. Her body was found on February 28th, 2018, in Kigo, Wakiso District.