Huzaifa Wampa alias Kanaabe, a suspected assassin in the shooting of Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba has been charged and remanded to Kitalya prison.
Huzaifa (30) and eight others are suspected in the June 1, 2021 assasination attempt on Gen Katumba when unknown gunmen sprayed his official vehicle with live bullets killing his daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo in the process. Gen Katumba survived with injuries.
Huzaifa who was arrested this week is a former member of BODABODA 2010, and the second shooter being ridden by Walusimbi Kamada alias Mudinka -also in detention.
Under tight security, Huzaifa was today morning brought to Nakawa Magistrate’s Court and charged with six counts including terrorism, 2 murder and 3 attempted murder. Chief Magistrate, Dr Douglas Singiza who presided over the proceedings, remanded Huzaifa to Kitalya prison since his court lacks jurisdiction to handle the case.
Huzaifa and another one named Hussein Wahab Lubwama -who police said “was put out of action,” are suspected to have pulled the triggers during the attack on Gen Katumba.
The suspect’s lawyer, Anthony Wameli, told court that his client complained of torture while in detention and parts of his body were swollen especially hands. Wameli prayed that for the purpose of enforcing human rights, the issue be recorded. Court instructed that he gets “urgent medical attention.”
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga announced that Huzaifa Wampa was tracked down and arrested from his hide-out in Kikomeko village, near Kalule Trading Centre, Nakatonya Parish, Nyimbwa Subcounty, in Luwero district.
Enanga said an immediate thorough search conducted at his premises revealed the motorcycle -Red Bajaj Boxer registration number UEO 375D which was used during the attack.
He also announced a Shs5m bounty for anyone with credible information that could lead to arrest of a one Sheikh Abu Ubaida Badir Diin Bukenya who is suspected to be the mastermind of the attack.
According to joint security investigation, Enanga says Bukenya is a well connected terrorist reactivating domestic terror cells.