RUKUNGIRI- In a court decision that has reverberated throughout the greater Kigezi Region, in western Uganda, the High Court of Uganda at Rukungiri, presided over by Justice Tom Chemutai, has sentenced Niwagaba Joab, Ainembabazi Onesmus, and Ariho Morris, each to 65 years in prison for the murder and aggravated robbery of a motorcycle, of a boda-boda rider.
The sentencing of the three men on Wednesday October 16, 2024, brings a chilling trial case to a close, shedding light on the dangers faced by boda-boda riders in Uganda.
The grim chain of events began on November 15, 2021, when Muhumuza Isaac, a recent entrant in the boda-boda business, was lured to a remote area by his friend and fellow rider, Ariho Morris.
Under the guise of showing him stolen fuel stored by a local construction company, Muhumuza was taken to a secluded spot at Rushoroza Cell in Kanungu District. Unbeknownst to him, this was a carefully plotted trap orchestrated by Ariho and his two accomplices, Niwagaba and Ainembabazi.
After riding Muhumuza’s motorcycle to a farm owned by Niwagaba’s grandfather, the three men left him behind, conspiring to end his life and steal his motorcycle, valued at UGX 5 million. Ariho, equipped with a hoe provided by Niwagaba, viciously struck Muhumuza multiple times on the head, killing him instantly. They hastily buried his body near a tree on the farm before fleeing with the motorcycle.
Their plan unraveled when they attempted to sell the motorcycle in spare parts in Kanungu Town Council. Police grew suspicious, and Niwagaba fled, hiding with relatives until his eventual arrest. His capture led to the arrest of the other two men. Under Police interrogation, the three confessed to the crime and disclosed the location of Muhumuza’s body, which was later exhumed.
The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Anthony Kurugyishuri from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Rukungiri, presented compelling evidence that left no room for doubt.
Justice Chemutai, delivering a firm verdict, sentenced each of the accused to 65 years for both murder and aggravated robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The case has drawn attention to the escalating crime rates targeting boda-boda riders across Uganda. Justice Chemutai’s ruling sends a clear and powerful message that the justice system will not tolerate such brutal acts of violence. For the family of Muhumuza, justice has finally been served, though the scars of his tragic loss will endure.
As these men begin their lengthy sentences, this case is a stark reminder of how swiftly greed and betrayal can lead to devastating consequences. It also highlights the importance of community vigilance to prevent such senseless crimes in the future. The justice system has spoken, but the story remains a somber reflection of the ongoing risks faced by boda-boda riders, one of Uganda’s most vulnerable groups.
