UPDF concludes investigations into Robert Kagolo killing

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Uganda People Defence Forces –UPDF has reportedly concluded investigations into the shooting and killing of Star FM journalist Robert Kagolo. Kagolo, who was also the former president of Uganda Journalists’ Association –UJA, was shot dead last month.

A UPDF officer says that investigations pin Local Defence Unit –LDU soldier, Rashid Mamuli and he will be arraigned in the General Court Martial next week.

Kagolo was shot dead at around 8 pm at his deceased brother Samuel Musiitwa’s home at Kasengejje Wakiso District. Musiitwa was found dead inside his wife’s car after five days of alleged kidnap.

While heading for Musiitwa’s burial in Gomba district, Kagolo requested Wakiso police to provide security to Musiitwa’s home. Kagolo was given two LDUs but they were changed before he returned.

Upon return, Kagolo was shot in the chest in full watch of the deceased brother’s children. He had driven the children back from their father’s burial.

UPDF First Division commanded by Maj Gen Samuel Kawagga arrested Rashid Mamuli on allegations of killing Kagolo. Maj Gen Kawagga also appointed five members led by Lt Col Jane Mukasa. The four members on the team include Maj Erick Musinguzi, Maj Albert Nomwesigwa, one Capt. Charles and one Muidu.

A UPDF officer has intimated to URN that Lt Col Mukasa’s committee has concluded investigations and have ruled out the possibility that Mamuli acted on the influence of Musiitwa’s widow as it had been rumored.

“There was this rumour that LDUs at Musiitwa’s home were changed on orders of the widow which was not true. Our investigations show the first pair of LDUs had been in the place for over 24 hours. They needed to have some rest and that was why a new pair was deployed. Mamuli killed Kagolo because he suspiciously knocked on the gate and it was already night,” a UPDF officer said.

Kagolo knocked on the gate at 8 pm after he was reportedly being trailed by an unknown vehicle. 

Rumours started circulating that Musiitwa’s wife had influenced the change of LDUs since she was not on good terms with her husband at the time of his death. Musiitwa had accused Adong of having an affair with a Mulago hospital doctor Kaye Mukasa.

Maj Charles Kabona, who is the new UPDF First Division Spokesperson, said investigations have been handled very well and they will soon try the suspects. Maj Kabona added that Mamuli is still in army custody and will face Army court.

“A life was lost and the person responsible must answer for his actions. Justice must be delivered to [Kagolo] family and journalists. The suspect will soon be arraigned in court,” Maj Kabona said.

The Criminal Investigations Directorate –CID Spokesperson, Charles Twine, said the gun that was used to kill Kagolo was picked by UPDF. Twine is optimistic that UPDF will deliver justice to Kagolo’s family and media fraternity.

So far three people have been arrested concerning Musiitwa’s murder. These include the widow Florence Adong, Mukasa and another woman.  Post-mortem report indicates Musiitwa died of suffocation.

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URN