Prison Warder Anguyo Appeals Death Sentence for Kiboga Killings

Moses Anguyo, a prison warder recently sentenced to death by the High Court in Kiboga, is set to challenge the ruling. His lawyers have received instructions to appeal the death penalty handed down by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga.

Anguyo had previously pleaded guilty to all seven charges, a decision that led to his conviction. His defense team plans to argue that by pleading guilty, Anguyo did not waste the court’s time, which could be a factor in the appeal. Initially, Anguyo claimed provocation, stating he acted out of anger after being insulted, but maintained he did not intend to kill.

During the sentencing, the court heard evidence detailing Anguyo’s actions on February 23, 2026. The prosecution presented that Anguyo became enraged after a disagreement regarding his use of a phone while on duty. When asked to surrender his weapon or phone, he allegedly attempted to fire at his superior, Officer-in-Charge Ivan Niwagaba.

The judge’s sentencing highlighted Anguyo’s specific targeting of individuals he identified as ‘westerners.’ The court heard accounts of how Anguyo fatally shot Deputy Officer-in-Charge Catherine Hope and Prison Officer Bright Akishuri, both senior officers. He also killed two civilians, Sarah Ayebare and her son Salson Niwagaba, during the incident.

Justice Kajuga described the murders as brutal and intentional, noting the precise nature of the attacks. The judge deemed the case to be among the ‘rarest of the rare,’ justifying the death sentence under sentencing guidelines. Anguyo received the death penalty for four counts of murder, alongside sentences for aggravated robbery and threatening violence.

The appeal process is expected to commence within the 14-day window stipulated by the court.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)