A fingerprint expert’s testimony has tied Ugandan socialite Charles Olimu, alias Sipapa, and his wife Shamira Nakiyemba to the scene of a high-profile robbery and money laundering scheme.
Chanimong, a 60-year-old retired officer and former head of the department of criminal identification, testified against the couple, who face charges of aggravated robbery and money laundering. He explained that he analyzed exhibits, including money and four envelopes from the crime scene.
Led by Senior State Attorney Edward Muhumuza, Chanimong walked the court through his meticulous analysis. “After the conclusion and analysis, I made a blind pass where I forwarded to the next person the file without giving them my findings to avoid duplication,” Chanimong testified.
Crime scene fingerprints tie Sipapa and wife to $429,000 robbery and money laundering case in Uganda
Chanimong told the court that he shared his findings with Assistant Inspector of Police Friday Godfrey to verify the results. “After discovering that we had the same findings, I went ahead and made a report of the examination in general of the fingerprints with a conclusion that the suspects’ fingerprints were found on various items.”
The court heard that all eight fingerprints of the victims on an envelope found at the crime scene were negative, except for Sipapa’s clear left middle fingerprint. Chanimong clarified that this was the only visible fingerprint among others.
Prosecutors allege that Sipapa, a businessman dealing in gold, cars, and music promotion, and Nakiyemba, a designer, robbed two victims of $429,000 and various items on August 29, 2022. The couple is also accused of using a substance to render their victims unconscious.
The prosecution further alleges that the duo laundered over 7.5 billion Ugandan shillings by purchasing luxury items, including music instruments, vehicles, electronics, and suspected gold bars.
Among the evidence presented against the couple are search certificates, exhibits recovered from their residence, police forms showing the victims’ peeled skin and mental instability, and agreements of land sale.
Trial Judge Michael Elubu adjourned the case to November 12 for further hearing of prosecution witnesses.
