The prime suspect in the murder of Daniel Bbosa, leader of the Ndiga clan in Buganda Kingdom, has been formally charged and remanded to Luzira Prison.
The incident occurred earlier in 2024, sending shockwaves through the community.
On Monday, Lujja Bbosa Tabula, the main suspect, appeared before Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court under heavy security.
Tabula, now joining five other co-accused, was shackled as he faced murder charges. Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Adam Byaruhanga presided over the court session, where Tabula was charged with murder under Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act.
In a shocking statement, Tabula confessed to hiring two assassins, Serunkama and Noah Lujja, to carry out the killing.
He claimed his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his ancestors’ rightful claim to the Lwomwa, the leadership of the Ndiga clan.
“I know it is wrong to murder, but I was securing my ancestors’ rightful ownership of the Lwomwa,” Tabula told the court, showing no remorse for his actions. “Even though I’m jailed, I will return and take over…and if I remain in jail, I will have saved the lineage of my people who will take over the seat,” he emphasized.
Despite Tabula’s confession, Magistrate Byaruhanga did not allow him to enter a plea, citing the court’s lack of jurisdiction over capital cases.
He noted that the case would be handled by a higher court and ordered Tabula to remain in custody until October 3, 2024, joining his co-accused in Luzira Prison.
Prosecutor Caroline Mpumwire informed the court that the investigations were complete, and she requested an adjournment to prepare the necessary committal papers.
The other accused persons, who are also on remand at Luzira Prison, include Harriet Nakiguli, 40, Joseph Nakabale, 47, Ezra Mayanja, 44, and Milly Naluwenda, 46.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that Tabula conspired with Naluwenda, a clerk at the Buganda traditional court, to orchestrate Bbosa’s assassination.
The murder took place on February 25 near Bbosa’s home in Kikandwa zone, Lungujja Parish, Rubaga Division, Kampala.
The prosecution alleges that the accused, along with others still at large, unlawfully caused Bbosa’s death. He was killed by gunmen riding a motorcycle as he approached his residence.
The assassins attempted to flee the scene but were pursued by a group of boda-boda riders led by Abdul Katabaazi.
Despite the killers drawing a gun, the boda-boda riders managed to knock down the assailants, killing one of them, later identified as Sserunkuma.
Lujja was spared after being beaten by the crowd, as they wanted him to reveal who had hired them to kill Bbosa.
The case has now been adjourned, with all suspects awaiting trial in the High Court.
