news 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Military Court Asked to Transfer Soroti Murder Case to Local Jurisdiction
The prosecution in the General Court Martial has requested the transfer of a case involving 16 family members accused of robbing and murdering a money agent in Soroti to the local court. The state cited incomplete investigations and the need for guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-seeks-transfer-of-soroti-money-agent-murder-case-to-local-jurisdiction-5623114
The Makindye-based General Court Martial has been urged to relocate a significant case to Soroti. Sixteen individuals, reportedly from the same family, are facing charges of robbing Shs28 million from a local money agent and subsequently murdering her on April 3, 2026.
Prosecution, led by Lt Regina Nanzala, informed the court, chaired by Col Frederick Kangwamu, that investigations are still ongoing. The prosecution is seeking guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the transfer of the file to Soroti, where the alleged crimes took place.
“The investigations are not yet complete. We are seeking guidance from the DPP so that this file is transferred to Soroti,” Lt Nanzala stated. She also highlighted that the accused include a woman with a baby and an elderly woman, suggesting these circumstances might warrant consideration.
Lawyer for the defense, Capt Daniel Kagombe, representing all accused, expressed no objection to the case being mentioned on November 4 but questioned the shifting reasons provided by the prosecution for further adjournment. He noted that the prosecution had previously cited incomplete investigations and now mentioned seeking DPP guidance.
Col Kangwamu ultimately agreed with the state, ruling that the case should be tried within the jurisdiction where the alleged offenses occurred. However, he adjusted the next hearing date to October 20, to allow for more regular monitoring and ensure the accused could exercise their rights.
The charges stem from the alleged robbery of Patricia Kokunda, which included Shs28 million, a smartphone, and three mobile phones. The prosecution also alleges the use of an SMG firearm, typically a monopoly of the Defence Forces, during the incident, and that the firearm was used to unlawfully cause Kokunda’s death.