Four individuals have been handed an eight-year jail sentence by the International Crimes Division in Kampala for their involvement in a plot to assassinate former Inspector General of Police Edward Kale Kayihura and Namayingo District Police Commander Major Francis Okumu.

Okuku Sadam Umalu, Osinya Colline, Joseph Ojambo, and Lwanga Abudala were convicted on charges of theft and two counts of conspiracy to murder. Their sentencing followed a plea bargain agreement between the accused and Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo.

The court heard that between May and June 2016, the group stole two AK-47 rifles with 60 rounds of live ammunition from Nakudi Police Post in Namayingo District. Their arrest was prompted by a gunshot heard at a resident’s home in Sirowa Village, leading to a police operation that led to the apprehension of Okuku and his accomplices.

During interrogation, the accused admitted to stealing the guns to use them for robberies and to eliminate individuals deemed as obstacles to the Tabliq sect’s mission, including Kayihura, Captain Okumu, and the RDC. They also confessed to previous robberies using a gun stolen from a policeman in 2015.

Justice Dr. Andrew Bashaija endorsed their plea bargain agreement and sentenced them to eight years on each count, to be served concurrently.