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During a recent court martial session in Kampala, a Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) officer disclosed that Sheikh Yasin Ssenyonga, the Imam of Hidaya Masjid Salaf in Mbiko, Buikwe District, was discovered to have over 20 bullets hidden under his bed.
Sheikh Ssenyonga, also known as Babyesiza, is a 47-year-old herbalist residing in Mbiko. He faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition under Sections 3 (1) and (2) (a) of the Firearms Act, Cap 299, which could lead to a ten-year prison sentence if convicted.
Testifying before the General Court Martial (GCM), RA133608 Sergeant Richard Wanyama, attached to CMI’s counter-terrorism unit, recounted his involvement in Sheikh Ssenyonga’s arrest. The officer, alongside other authorities, apprehended Sheikh Ssenyonga, along with Juma Bogere and Abubakari Kaitakwanga, on May 3, 2023, and transferred them to the Police’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Kireka.
The subsequent day, a search was conducted at Mbiko Njeru Police Station, led by SSP Emmanuel Ego, which extended to Sheikh Ssenyonga’s residence. During the search, two magazines containing approximately 20 to 25 live bullets were discovered hidden under Sheikh Ssenyonga’s bed. Sgt. Wanyama attested that all recovered items were duly documented in a search certificate.
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Under questioning from the defense counsel, Sgt. Wanyama clarified his role, stating that while he was present during the search and witnessed the discovery of the ammunition, his primary responsibility was the arrest of the accused individuals. He explained that he did not personally count the bullets but estimated their quantity based on observation.
Confirming his familiarity with Sheikh Ssenyonga, Sgt. Wanyama affirmed the identity of the accused individual standing trial.
The prosecution alleges that Sheikh Ssenyonga was found in unlawful possession of two magazines containing 23 rounds of live SMG ammunition, an activity typically monopolized by the Defence Forces. Led by Lt Col Raphael Mugisha, Lt Alex Mukhwana, Private Anthony Phillip Olupot, and Private Regina Nanzala, the prosecution presented its case during the court session.
The hearing was adjourned to March 26, 2024, by GCM chairman Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe for further proceedings, marking another step in the legal process surrounding this case.
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