The Masaka High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba, has convicted and sentenced three people for the murder and aggravated robbery of Hajjat Aisha Nantayi of Masaka District in 2019.
The convicted include Lutaya Ronald, Twinomujuni Samuel, alias “Idi Amin,” and Makandya Alex of murder and aggravated robbery.
Lutaya, who was identified as the mastermind of the crime, and Makandya were each sentenced to 50 years imprisonment term, while Twinomujuni was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment, following his cooperation with the prosecution during the trial.
Prosecution led by Chief State Attorney Ms. Deborah Itwau, told court that Hajjat Aisha Nantayi was murdered in her home following a visit by her boyfriend, Lutaya.
Evidence presented in court showed that Lutaya had conspired with Twinomujuni and Makandya to kill Hajjat Aisha Nantayi after learning that she had received a substantial sum of money from her son living abroad.
On the day in question, Hajjat Nantayi welcomed Lutaya into her home and began preparing a meal for him. While she was occupied, Twinomujuni and Makandya entered the house and attacked her with an axe, inflicting fatal injuries and robbed her of UGX 38 million and some household items.
After killing the deceased, the accused stole money and various household items before fleeing the scene. Hajjat Nantayi’s body was later discovered after her children repeatedly tried to reach her by phone without success and then sent a relative to check on her.
During the trial, Twinomujuni provided testimony implicating two additional suspects, Nansubuga Zahara, alias “Mama Boyi,” and Ssemanda Ali, who are the deceased’s sister-in-law and brother, respectively. His testimony alleged that the two suspects financed and orchestrated the murder.
The testimony led to the arrest of the two suspects during the trial. They are currently on remand awaiting trial, during which the court will determine the allegations against them.
