A 40-year-old salesman, Shafik Bwanika, has been remanded to Luzira prison after allegedly trespassing at Nakasero State Lodge, the official residence of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Bwanika, a resident of Makindye, was arraigned before Buganda Road Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal trespass and threatening violence.
According to the prosecution, on April 30, 2024, Bwanika drove his car onto the State Lodge grounds, a restricted area. The prosecution claims his intention was to intimidate or annoy the president.
The situation reportedly escalated when Bwanika allegedly threatened a guard, Pte Abas Ssekanjajo, with his vehicle.
Court documents state that Ssekanjajo, a Special Forces Command guard, opened fire on Bwanika’s car in response. A woman riding with Bwanika was shot during the incident. The condition of the woman is yet to be disclosed, but further details may emerge as the case progresses.
Bwanika will return to court on May 29 as the state indicated that their investigation is complete.