Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Top police officers charged with kidnap of Kagame’s bodyguard

A military police officer directs Senior Superintendent of Police Nixon Agasirwe to enter the court room where he was charged along with eight others with kidnap On October 27, 2017. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

What you need to know:

  • Lt Mutabazi had fled to Uganda but was reportedly kidnapped in Kampala by security personnel and handed over to the home government.

Nine people, among whom are five senior police officers, have been charged before the Makindye based Court Martial in Kampala for allegedly kidnapping former Rwandan president, Paul Kagame’s bodyguard.

The suspects who also include Rwandans and Congolese nationals appeared in the Court Martial on Friday and were charged with conspiracy with Rwanda to kidnap Lt Joel Mutabazi in Uganda in 2013.

Joel Mutabazi, a former lieutenant in President Paul Kagame’s Republican Guard was allegedly kidnapped in Kampala in 2013 and handed over to his home government which sentenced him to life imprisonment. Nine people have been charged in Uganda over his kidnap. TIMES PHOTOGRAPHY

READ:

Top police officers in military court over espionage

The suspects who also include Rwandans and Congolese nationals are accused of conspiracy with a neighbouring country to kidnap refugees in Uganda, who are perceived to be opponents of their home government

ALSO READ:

Police boss suspended over Kagame guard

Police say Mr Joel Aguma will be investigated over the manner in which he handed over Lt Joel Mutabazi to Rwandan authorities.


The officers are: Commandant of Police Professional Standard Unit, Senior Commissioner of Police Joel Aguma; Senior Superintendent of Police Nixon Agasirwe; former commander of Police Special Operations, Sgt Abel Tumukunde under the Flying Squad; Assistant Superintendent of Police Magada under Crime Intelligence; and Faisal Katende under the Flying Squad.

The suspects in the dock at the General Court Martial where they were charged with kidnap on October 27, 2017. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

They were arrested by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), which is also hunting for three others.
Some of the suspects have previously been implicated in various cases.

Police boss suspended over Kagame guard

Police say Mr Joel Aguma will be investigated over the manner in which he handed over Lt Joel Mutabazi to Rwandan authorities.

for allegedly kidnaping and handing over Lt Mutabazi.

Lt Mutabazi had fled to Uganda but was reportedly kidnapped in Kampala by security personnel and handed over to his home government. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment. Mr Katende was suspended for alleged extortion in 2014.