Susan Magara Murder: Two Sentenced to Death, Seven Get Life

High Court Sentences Two to Death and Seven to Life in Susan Magara Murder Trial

Those condemned to be hanged are Hajara Nakandi and Abas Musa Buwembo, whom the court identified as the principal executors who carried out the killing. The remaining seven co-accused—Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Hussein Kato Miiro, and Muzamir Ssali—were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Abduction, Ransom Demands, and the Grilling Investigation

Susan Magara, a 28-year-old cashier at Bwendero Dairy Farm in Hoima, was seized on February 7, 2018, while driving her Toyota RAV4 through the Lungujja suburb of Kampala. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of US$1.5 million (UGX 5.5 billion) before negotiations reduced the amount to US$200,000 (about UGX 700 million). Although her family paid the ransom, the kidnappers proceeded to end her life.

Magara was held in captivity for approximately three weeks. Her remains were discovered weeks later on February 27, 2018, dumped at Kitiko-Birongo along the Entebbe Expressway. Postmortem reports confirmed she died by suffocation. Court details revealed that the victim suffered extreme cruelty during captivity, including having her fingers cut off and being injected with ketamine before being suffocated with a polythene bag.

The case triggered one of Uganda’s most intensive criminal investigations, relying on forensic evidence, mobile phone analysis, financial transactions, and witness testimony. The landmark trial ultimately concluded after spanning eight years.

Court Findings and Seizure of Assets

In determining the sentences, the court considered guideline 18 and guideline 20 of the Constitution Sentencing guidelines of 2013, noting the rarest of the rare circumstances of the crime. The aggravating factors included the premeditated and highly organized nature of the offenses, extreme brutality, financial gain, the physical mutilation of the victim, and the severe emotional trauma and financial impact on the victim’s family and public security.

While Nakandi and Buwembo had direct roles in the injection, suffocation, and custody of the deceased at detention places in Nateete and Konge, the court found that the other seven convicts participated with common intention through planning, aiding, and facilitating the crimes.

Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation and forfeiture of properties acquired using the ransom money. Assets slated for sale with proceeds paid to Magara’s family include 35 acres of land in Buikwe, an acre in Luweero, Isuzu trucks, a minibus coaster, Hiace vans, and motor vehicles used in the commission of the offenses.

Overview of Case Metrics and Penalties

• Initial Ransom Demand: US$1.5 million (UGX 5.5 billion)
• Ransom Paid: US$200,000 (UGX 700 million)
• Duration of Captivity: February 7, 2018 to February 27, 2018 (approximately three weeks)
• Death Sentences: 2 (Hajara Nakandi and Abas Musa Buwembo)
• Life Imprisonment Terms: 7 (Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Hussein Kato Miiro, Muzamir Ssali)