Staff Reporter
On Thursday afternoon, the Magistrate’s Court in Ntungamo remanded three individuals, including a Municipal councilor and a driver, on charges related to the theft of garbage bins.
The accused are Tumwesigye Gordwin, a garbage collection contractor; Kumwesiga Boaz, a park ward councilor to the municipality; and Singa Ibra, the municipality driver. They, along with others not present in court, face seven counts of theft and receiving or retaining stolen property. These charges were brought before Ntungamo Chief Magistrate Gordon Muhimbise. Additionally, Matovu Albert Sadi, a businessman, and Nkabangeine Francis Twinomujuni, the Kahunga ward councilor, were charged in absentia.
The prosecution, led by Ntungamo resident state attorney Mr. Martin Dungu, accuses the three of stealing and retaining seven garbage skips from various locations: Cell 7, Cell 1, Kikoni cell, Cell 5, Cell 9, and two from Cell 8, each valued at Ushs 15M.
Chief Magistrate Muhimbise remanded the three in custody and issued arrest warrants for Nkabangeine and Matovu. They are to appear on June 25th for a bail application.
The theft of the garbage skips and a roller from the municipality has sparked significant unrest, including a protest led by municipality Development Forum chairperson Joshua Kansiime and municipality MP Yona Musinguzi. Last week, residents closed the gate to the council offices in protest. Consequently, over 15 municipal employees and at least 10 businessmen have provided statements to the police regarding the theft.
