Four years after the tragic kidnapping and murder of Maria Nagirinya, a project manager at the Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI), and her boda boda rider, Ronald Kitayimbwa, justice has finally been served. On October 19, 2023, the masterminds behind this heinous crime were sentenced to life in prison, while three others received 30-year prison terms.
The shocking incident took place on August 28, 2019, as Nagirinya and Kitayimbwa were approaching her home in Lungujja, a Kampala suburb. Their lifeless bodies were discovered a day later, covered with grass and dumped in a swamp along the Mukono-Kayunga Road, 45 kilometers away from the abduction site.
The investigation into this gruesome case was a testament to meticulous detective work and advanced technology. Key details from the trial provide insight into the investigation's progression.
The Kidnap and Initial Shock
When Nagirinya was kidnapped, initial reports suggested she was with a boda boda rider, later identified as Ronald Kitayimbwa. Subsequently, it was revealed that Kitayimbwa occasionally served as her chauffeur, driving her and providing transport services for payment.
The brutal kidnapping sent shockwaves through the victim's family and the public, prompting Nagirinya's family to seek assistance from President Museveni to bring the perpetrators to justice. In response, President Museveni directed the dismissal of CCTV camera operators at Nateete Police station for their failure to actively monitor the cameras, allowing them to retrieve images only after the fact.
Arrest and Investigation
A team led by Frank Nyakairu, an investigator with the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), embarked on a relentless search for the kidnappers. On the night of the abduction, they attempted to trace Nagirinya's phone, which led them to critical information. While the phone number was initially switched off, the investigators employed technology like Local Positioning System (LPS) to pinpoint its last known location.
Cluster information was utilized to gain insights into the suspects' movements, with Nagirinya's call records revealing calls to multiple numbers. Further examination of the evidence uncovered links to her sisters, who had received calls related to opening the gate at Nagirinya's home.
The breakthrough came when investigators uncovered the use of an Itel phone, with multiple SIM cards, which had been used to withdraw money. This information led them to key suspects and their movements within the areas of Nateete, Busega, Kyengera, Nabbingo, and Kitemu.
Arrest of the Mastermind
The investigators honed in on one number, leading to the eventual arrest of a woman who provided critical information about her boyfriend, Lubega John Bosco, who was identified as one of the key suspects. Lubega's arrest then led to the apprehension of Kasolo Coporiyamu and the rest of the group.
Role of CCTV Cameras and GPS
The evidence captured by CCTV cameras played a pivotal role in the investigation, with footage showing Kasolo driving Nagirinya's vehicle. Automatic number plate recognition cameras and other surveillance equipment further implicated the suspects.
Confessions and Sentences
During the trial, one of the accused, Isaac Ssenabulya, admitted to participating in the crime. Ssenabulya's confession was corroborated by other members of the group, who detailed their roles in the abduction and murder. The evidence presented during the trial, including the call data records and CCTV footage, was crucial in securing convictions.
Ultimately, the masterminds behind this heinous act, Kasolo and Johnson Lubega, received life sentences, while three boda boda riders – Sharif Mpanga, Nassif Kalyango alias Muwonge, and Hassan Kisekka alias Masadda – were each sentenced to 30 years in prison. The justice system, supported by advanced technology, has successfully brought closure to this tragic case, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
