In an unusual way, Nakawa Chief Magistrate, Frank Namanya on Thursday ordered four Flying Squad officers accused of aggravated robbery to unmask in court.
Detective Superintendent of Police James Besigye, Detective Corporal Simon Owona, Detective Constable Pracid Abdul Mulangira, and Detective Constable Monday Tibaijuka, , were on Thursday brought back to court under tight security for mention of their case.
In an unusual move, the officers entered the courtroom with their faces partially concealed by hooded jumpers, drawing immediate concern from the trial magistrate .
" This is a court of law, I wonder why you keep your faces covered. What you are doing is wrong," the magistrate said.
“I need to know the kind of people we are dealing with are you humans or what? While here, we need to see and identify you. Put off your hoods.”
The four complied, reluctantly removing their hoods amid clicks of camera shutters from eager journalists.
Prosecution led by Martin Odongo Awiny told the court that the matter was up for mention and the communication of charges as inquiries are complete .
The trial magistrate further remanded the officers until July 16 for the mention of their case.
According to the prosecution the accused officers, together with others still at large, allegedly robbed one John Vian Tumukunde on May 9, 2025, at Solent Avenue in Nakawa Division, Kampala. The stolen property reportedly included one kilogram of gold valued at USD 105,000 and USD 1,000 in cash.
It is alleged that the suspects were armed with a pistol and AK-47 rifles during the robbery.
The charges fall under Sections 266 and 267(1)(b)(2) of the Penal Code Act.