Sipapa and wife must defend themselves against Shs 1.6bn robbery charges, High Court rules

The High Court has determined that city socialite Charles Olimu, widely known as Sipapa, along with his wife Shamira Namuyimbwa, have a case to answer concerning allegations of aggravated robbery and money laundering, involving a sum of $429,000 (approximately Shs 1.6 billion).

Justice Michael Elubu of the Criminal Division mandated the couple to enter their defence, stating that the prosecution had presented a strong enough case to suggest guilt if no explanation is offered.

The charges stem from an alleged break-in on August 29, 2022, at the Kampala home of South Sudanese businessman Jacob Arok Mul. Prosecutors claim Sipapa, Namuyimbwa, and others unknown unlawfully entered the premises, incapacitated the occupants with a substance identified as brallobarbital, and then stole a significant amount of cash, electronics, and jewellery.

Both Sipapa and Namuyimbwa have been detained at Luzira Prison since September 2022. Their defence is expected to commence between October 12 and 19, 2026. In addition to the robbery charges, Sipapa faces separate counts of money laundering, with two of these charges including Namuyimbwa.

Evidence presented by the prosecution suggests that the stolen money was used to purchase various assets, including musical equipment, electronics, and vehicles, in an attempt to disguise the illicit origin of the funds. Police investigations, aided by a “Find My Phone” application, allegedly led them to the couple’s residence in Buwate, Kira Division, where some of the stolen items and cash were reportedly recovered.

Fingerprint evidence and the recovery of modified vehicle parts at the couple’s home were also presented as part of the case against them.

https://observer.ug/news/sipapa-case-to-answer-in-shs-1-6bn-aggravated-robbery-high-court