news 27 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala Hotel Worker Remanded for Stealing $12,000 Meant for South Sudan President's Gift
A 39-year-old staff member at a luxury Kampala hotel has been remanded to Luzira Prison over the theft of $12,000 from a South Sudanese Brigadier General. The cash was intended to purchase a watch as a gift for President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kampala-hotel-staff-remanded-over-theft-of-12-000-gift-for-south-sudan-president-5437836
William Ssemata, 39, from Nansana in Wakiso District, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on April 27, 2026. He faces theft charges under Sections 237(1) and 244 of the Penal Code Act for allegedly stealing the money on April 12 at a high-end hotel in Kampala.
The victim, Brigadier General Aaron Jeremiah Balla, arrived from Malaysia via Entebbe International Airport around 4pm that day. He carried the $12,000 (roughly Shs45 million) specifically to buy a luxury watch for South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit. After exchanging some funds, Balla stored the rest in his luggage—three suitcases and a handbag—before heading to the hotel.
Hotel staff, including Ssemata, screened and handled the luggage. Ssemata was tasked with delivering it to Balla’s room. CCTV footage captured him entering the lift alone with the items, but no cameras covered the interior, creating a potential blind spot for the theft.
No other individuals were seen accessing the luggage, according to court documents. The hotel’s assistant security manager, Moses Olowo, confirmed internal CCTV reviews and staff checks singled out Ssemata as the only one with direct access at that time. He was arrested on April 18 and handed to police.
Prosecutor Grace Amy sought more time for ongoing investigations. Magistrate Achayo remanded Ssemata to Luzira Prison until May 13, when he will take his plea before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa.
Source: Daily Monitor