In a shocking turn of events, a suspect charged with orchestrating the theft of 21,600 kilograms of coffee beans worth UGX 470 million escaped from custody at the Nabweru Chief Magistrates Court in Kawempe Division, Kampala. The suspect, identified as Juma Musisi, alias Young Mandela or Masappe, fled as his bail forms were being processed, leaving law enforcement authorities in disarray.
Musisi, alleged to be the mastermind behind the large-scale coffee theft, had been arrested alongside three accomplices: Kenneth Muswabi (35), Medi Kalule (42), and Martin Mugabi (27). The theft, which occurred in November 2024, involved the diversion of a truck transporting coffee beans from Kasese to Nakawa. The stolen coffee was reportedly transferred to other vehicles and later taken to Luzira for sale.
This incident highlights the increasing challenge of coffee thefts in Uganda, particularly during transit. Earlier in the year, four individuals, including a police officer, were apprehended for stealing a similar consignment of coffee owned by the Export Trading Company. The coffee truck in that case was diverted from the Kampala-Jinja highway to Kyetume along the Mukono-Katosi Road, where the beans were offloaded.
Musisi’s escape raises serious questions about security protocols within Uganda’s judicial system. Law enforcement agencies have launched an extensive manhunt for Musisi and other suspects still at large, including Saidi Kalule, alias Bogere, and Joab Mucunguzi.
The Uganda Police Force has called on the public to provide any information that may lead to the arrest of the fugitives. With coffee thefts threatening the livelihoods of many in Uganda’s agricultural sector, authorities are intensifying efforts to curb these crimes and ensure justice is served.
