Otafiire’s Brother Rwangomani Firearms Case: Court Martial Delays Hearing as Prosecution Seeks More Time

KAMPALA — The General Court Martial has adjourned the firearms case against Amos Rwangomani, a brother to Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire, to November 4, 2026, after the prosecution asked for more time to complete investigations.

Rwangomani, 56, is facing charges of unlawful possession of two pistols and 10 rounds of pistol ammunition.

He appeared before the Makindye-based military court on Wednesday, where prosecution led by Lt Regina Nanzala told court that investigators needed additional time to address gaps in the case file.

Lt Nanzala asked the court to allow the investigators to complete their work and enable the prosecution to file an updated case file.

Rwangomani’s lawyer, Capt Daniel Kagombe, did not object to the request.

The court, presided over by Col Fredrick Kangwamu, granted the prosecution’s request and directed it to return on November 4 with an update on the status of the investigations.

Rwangomani is currently out on bail. He is an NRM cadre from Mbarara City and works as a supervisor at Kamed Security Company.

Visit UHRC Sponsored According to the charge sheet, Rwangomani allegedly possessed a pistol marked G 259085 at Mulago Business Centre in Kampala in October 2025 without lawful authority.

The prosecution alleges that the firearm was restricted to the Defence Forces.

He is also accused of unlawfully possessing another pistol bearing serial number PSO BO 19687-08980.

The third count relates to 10 rounds of pistol ammunition allegedly found in his possession at the same location and around the same period.

The charges were brought under Section 158(2)(c) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act, which criminalises the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Although Rwangomani is a civilian, he has been charged before the General Court Martial under Section 117A(1)(e) of the UPDF Act.

The charge sheet lists his residence as Kickwamba Village, Kalaro Parish, Kyeizooba Sub-county, Igara County, Bushenyi District.

The case has previously attracted attention because of the circumstances surrounding Rwangomani’s arrest.

His family said he was picked up while eating at Mulago Business Centre in August 2025 and subsequently went missing.

His wife later petitioned the High Court seeking a writ of habeas corpus, asking for his production before court.

In February 2026, the High Court ordered the respondents, including the UPDF, to produce Rwangomani dead or alive and file a return to court.

He was later produced before the General Court Martial, charged and released on bail as investigations continued.

Wednesday’s proceedings did not involve the hearing of evidence against Rwangomani. The court only considered the prosecution’s request for additional time to complete investigations.

The case will return before the General Court Martial on November 4, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to provide an update on the progress of the investigations.

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