The Chief Magistrates Court in Kabale District has sentenced Shamim Butariro to 18 months in prison for stealing and driving away the Kigezi diocese motor vehicle from a burial.
The convict, Batariro, is accused of stealing and driving away the Kigezi diocesan motor vehicle during the burial ceremony of the late Apollo Nyegamahe, popularly known as Aponye, in Rukiga district.
On July 12, 2023, in Kitaburaza village, Muhanga town council, Batariro, who hails from Ruhinja village in Wakiso district, stole Suzuki vehicle registration number UAT 478N, which belonged to Kikungiri Archdeaconry.
According to Steven Kamara, the Rwampara District Police Commander, Batariro was intercepted at Kinoni Trading Centre in Rwampara, just as it was about to cross into Mbarara City.
Prior to her court session, Batariro asked for forgiveness from the Diocese representatives, Rev. Can Twetise and Rev. Can Nkurunungyi, noting that she was only working under instructions.
“A gentleman by the name of Sula Sekasi instructed me to drive the car to Kampala City,” Batariro said.
State Prosecutor Raymond Mugisa, however, said that she knew what she was doing because, at the time of her arrest, Batariro was in possession of nine vehicle master keys and five sticks of marijuana.
Theft of items is a violation of sections 254 to 263 of the Penal Code Act which is punishable by imprisonment and /or a fine.
