A 24-year-old man, Mubaraka Sharayimu, has been charged with aggravated robbery and remanded to Luzira prison in connection with a brazen daylight robbery in Kampala that sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The dramatic incident occurred on July 15 at Eso Corner along Jinja Road, where Sharayimu and his accomplices allegedly robbed Joshi Keshav of his laptop bag containing valuables worth approximately Shs2.5 million. According to the prosecution, the robbers were armed with a deadly weapon, a panga, and put the victim’s life in grave danger.
Sharayimu appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court, presided over by Her Worship Jalia Basajjabalaba, who declined to take his plea due to the capital nature of the offense. The case can only be tried in the High Court, which has jurisdiction to hear such serious offenses.
The court ordered Sharayimu to be remanded to Luzira prison until August 21 for mention of the case. This will allow the prosecution to gather more evidence and prepare for the trial.
Police reports and CCTV footage indicate that Keshav was cornered by several riders during heavy traffic and sustained minor injuries. The chilling CCTV footage, which went viral on social media, shows Keshav, a tour and travel company operator based at Crown House in Kampala, being trailed by unknown assailants riding Boda Bodas and ambushed while at ESO Corner in Kampala.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in Kampala, particularly during peak hours when traffic congestion is common. The police have promised to increase patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent similar incidents.
