The High Court in Kampala has sent to Luzira Prison Pastor Jackson Senyonga’s personal assistant and Christian Life Church’s bodyguards after finding them guilty of aggravated robbery.
The church is located at Makerere-Kavule, Kampala.
Considering the varying degrees of participation by each convict in the commission of the offence, justice Isaac Muwata yesterday sentenced Israel Wasswa (Senyonga’s personal assistant) to two years’ imprisonment.
On the other hand, Ivan Wanyama, a chapatti maker, was handed a 10-year jail term while Godfrey Mwanda alias Kefa (security personnel attached to Christian Life Church) was sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Ali Ojulongo alias Peter, who was convicted in absentia for reportedly being sick, will be sentenced when he appears in court. The judge issued a warrant of arrest against him.
Wanyama, according to the judge, was the most active participant in the commission of the offence, which is the reason for his stiff sentence, while Wasswa participated the least, but was found culpable based on common interest.
“Having considered the prosecution evidence, I find that the offence of aggravated robbery has been proved robbery has been proved against all the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt and I hereby convict them as charged,” the judge ruled.
Justice Muwata, however, informed the convicts of the right to appeal against his judgement within 14 days if they are not satisfied.
The convicts were represented by Geoffrey Serwanga, Boniface Lukwago and Paul Kajuga, while the prosecution comprised chief state attorney Jonathan Muwaganya and state attorney Macbeth Agumenaitwe.
“The offence attracts a maximum sentence of death. The offence arose from a scuffle resulting from disturbances at the Christian Life Church,” the judge observed.
Justice Muwata stressed that the overzealousness of the accused persons and the conduct of the victim, Sam Mukula, resulted in the offence.
While handing over sentences to the convicts, the judge considered them as first offenders. He also noted that the total value of property stolen was small.
Justice Muwata, however, directed that the remand period be deducted from their sentences.
The judge agreed with the court assessors that the prosecution proved that the accused committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
