KAMPALA — The General Court Martial in Makindye has given military prosecutors until November 4 to complete investigations into the firearms case involving Amos Rwangomani, a brother of Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire.
Rwangomani, 56, appeared before the court on Wednesday as prosecutors sought additional time to finalise the investigation file.
He is facing three counts under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act over alleged unlawful possession of two pistols and 10 rounds of ammunition.
Rwangomani, an NRM cadre from Mbarara City who works as a supervisor with Kamed Security Company, is currently out on bail.
Prosecution, led by Lt Regina Nanzala, told the court that investigators had returned the file after identifying gaps that needed to be addressed before the case could proceed.
She asked the court for more time to allow investigators to complete their work and enable 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, adjourned the matter to November 4, when prosecutors are expected to give an update on the investigations.
The charge sheet alleges that in October 2025, Rwangomani unlawfully possessed a pistol marked G 259085 at Mulago Business Centre in Kampala.
Prosecution alleges that the firearm was restricted to the Defence Forces and that Rwangomani did not have lawful authority to possess it.
He is also accused of possessing a second pistol bearing serial number PSO BO 19687-08980.
The third count concerns 10 rounds of pistol ammunition allegedly found at the same location and around the same period.
The charges were brought under Section 158(2)(c) of the UPDF Act, which criminalises unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Although Rwangomani is a civilian, the prosecution has charged him before the General Court Martial under Section 117A(1)(e) of the same law.
The charge sheet identifies him as a resident of Kickwamba Village, Kalaro Parish, Kyeizooba Sub-county, Igara County, Bushenyi District.
The case has also attracted attention because of the circumstances surrounding Rwangomani’s arrest.
His family reported in August 2025 that he had been picked up while having a meal at Mulago Business Centre and could not subsequently be traced.
His wife later sought a writ of habeas corpus from the High Court.
In February 2026, the High Court ordered the respondents, including the UPDF, to produce Rwangomani dead or alive and file a return explaining his detention.
He was later produced before the General Court Martial, charged and subsequently released on bail.
Wednesday’s hearing was limited to the prosecution’s request for additional time and did not address the evidence or determine whether Rwangomani committed the alleged offences.
The case will return to the court on November 4.
