Two Convicted Over Murder of Ndiga Clan Leader

Two men have been convicted of murdering Ndiga Clan leader Engineer Kakeedo Bbosa Lugya after pleading guilty to the charge before the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala. Lugya Bbosa alias Tabula and his relative Noah Lugya alias Fake were convicted on Thursday by High Court Judge David Matovu after admitting the prosecution’s facts linking them to the killing of Engineer Bbosa on February 25, 2024, in Kikandwa, Lungujja.

The two admitted that the facts presented by the prosecution were true and correct. “It is true, my Lord, and I ask for forgiveness,” Tabula told the court. Noah also responded: “It is true.” Following their admissions, the court convicted the two on their own pleas of guilty.

The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo, told the court that the two, together with three other accused persons and additional suspects who remain at large, acted with malice aforethought to cause Bbosa’s death. The prosecution said the killing was linked to a longstanding dispute over leadership of the Ndiga Clan after Bbosa was installed as clan leader and became Mutaka Lwomwa in the Buganda Kingdom hierarchy.

According to the prosecution’s facts, Bbosa had returned from Katosi on February 25, 2024, after presiding over a clan function. He was travelling with his wife, Gladys, and a househelp. As he approached his home in Lungujja, he reportedly slowed down after seeing two people on a motorcycle. One of the passengers allegedly disembarked and shot him before the attackers fled on the motorcycle.

Investigators later established that the motorcycle had been disguised by altering its registration number. Bbosa’s body was recovered from his Toyota Prado, registration number UAH 637, which had bullet damage and shattered windows. A post-mortem examination established that he died from gunshot injuries. The prosecution said an AK-47 rifle was recovered during the subsequent pursuit of the suspects. One of the alleged suspects, Enock Sserunkuma alias Munaku, was killed by a mob, while Noah was rescued and taken to Mulago Hospital for treatment. 

Ballistic examinations allegedly established that the recovered firearm was in good working condition and capable of firing ammunition, while spent cartridges recovered from the scene were linked to the weapon.  The prosecution also relied on CCTV footage and call-data records, which it said established the movements and communications of some of the accused persons before the killing. According to the prosecution, meetings were held between November and December 2023 to plan the murder, with several methods, including poisoning, reportedly discussed. 

The prosecution said Tabula opposed Bbosa’s leadership of the Ndiga Clan, claiming that the position was his birthright. It further alleged that Tabula recruited Sserunkuma and Noah to carry out the murder and provided the firearm used in the killing. The prosecution presented several exhibits, including the post-mortem report, charge and caution statements, extra-judicial statements, CCTV footage, forensic reports, scene-of-crime reports and ballistic evidence.

The three other accused persons—Harriet Nakiguli, Joseph Nakabake and Ezra Mayanja—denied the murder charge and are yet to face trial. Meanwhile, the court has begun hearing aggravating and mitigating factors from both the prosecution and defence before sentencing the two convicts.

The court is expected to hand down their sentences after the parties complete submissions on the appropriate punishment. The defence was led by Richard Kumbuga on state brief, while Simon Tendo Kabege appeared for the deceased’s family in a watching brief.