By Frank Kamuntu
Girly Girmaley Batange, also known as “Magufuli,” a Tanzanian national residing in Juba, South Sudan, has been remanded on charges of terrorism.
Batange appeared before Buganda Road chief magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Monday, facing charges of supporting a terrorist organization, financing terrorism, and belonging to or professing to belong to a terrorist organization.
Batange is jointly charged with Sulaiman Nsubuga, also known as Ibrahim Nkata or Mzee Lweza, a resident of Butote village in Masafu sub-county, Busia district, and Swalleh Abubaker, also known as Isaac Mupeeta, Dog City, Fujo Boxer, or Tom Kivuruge.
According to the prosecution, between 2018 and April 2024, Magufuli, Abubaker, and Nsubuga, along with others still at large, allegedly mobilized funds, procured supplies, and recruited individuals for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The accused are said to have been fully aware that their support would be used for terrorism-related activities. Given the capital nature of the charges, Magufuli could not enter a plea at this stage.
Speaking in Kiswahili, he sought pardon from the chief magistrate, who informed him that such a request could only be made to the trial judge in the High Court.
Magufuli has been remanded to Luzira Prison until September 20, 2024, as investigations continue. This development follows a recent security advisory issued by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, warning of a potential increase in terrorist threats in Kampala.
Source: URNÂ
