Sowedi Egumbye, 32, has been charged with aggravated robbery by the Kamuli Chief Magistrate's Court and subsequently committed to the High Court in Jinja, where he faces multiple charges. Trial Magistrate Aisha Nabukeera made the ruling, advancing the case to a higher jurisdiction.
Egumbye, a resident of Bugaga B, Nawantumbi Ward in Nawanyago Town Council, Kamuli District, allegedly robbed Paul Shilikya of USh 5 million in cash and property valued at USh 9 million.
His arrest took place on the morning of November 26, 2024, at around 4:00 a.m., following an intelligence-led operation at his home.
The charges stem from a March 2024 incident in which Egumbye and accomplices, who remain at large, allegedly lured Shilikya from Kireka, a Kampala suburb, with a scheme involving the exchange of counterfeit U.S. dollars for Ugandan shillings. Upon arriving in Nawanyago, Shilikya was robbed of cash, phones, and other valuables.
Authorities believe this robbery is part of a wider pattern carried out by a group notorious for defrauding victims with counterfeit currency. The group is known to target individuals from Kampala and beyond, often resorting to violence when their deception fails.
In a related incident on August 19, 2023, the same group reportedly attacked Nawanyago Police Station, damaging cells in a bid to free an accomplice detained for distributing counterfeit money.
Busoga North Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with case files being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
"A serious manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large," ASP Kasadha said.
Egumbye's arrest and commitment to the High Court mark a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle a network involved in counterfeiting and violent robberies in the region.
Police have urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency. Authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice and curb the rising threat of counterfeit money and related crimes in the area.
