Kyoto faces serious charges including two counts of terrorism and three counts of aggravated robbery. If found guilty, he could receive the maximum penalty of death.

The case is being heard before Nakawa Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza. According to proceedings on April 4, 2024, investigations into the allegations have been completed.

The accused, Rashid Abdul Kyoto, also known as Njovu or Tembo, aged 31 and residing at Domain Camp, Mwalika in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stands accused of the murder of David James Barlow, a British national, his South African wife, Celia Emmarentia Geyer, and their guide, Eric Alyai, on October 17, 2023.

The victims were attacked while on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda.

Thomas Jatiko, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, is leading the prosecution in the case. However, the accused is not currently represented in court.

The allegations against Kyoto are grave. It is alleged that on October 17, 2023, at Nyamunuka along Katunguru-Katwe-Kabatoro road within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyoto and accomplices, with intent to influence the government or intimidate the public for political, religious, social, or economic aims, carried out violent acts resulting in the deaths of the tourists and their guide, who were not engaged in armed conflict.

Additionally, Kyoto and others are accused of burning two motor vehicles, a Mercedes Benz Cargo Truck, and a Toyota Land Cruiser tourist vehicle, within the park between October 13, 2023, and October 17, 2023.

The accused, along with accomplices, are further charged with unlawfully causing the deaths of Barlow, Geyer, and Alyai with premeditation. They are also accused of robbing Barlow of his UK passport at gunpoint, as well as stealing money and personal belongings from Geyer.

Prosecution contends that between 2018 and November 1, 2023, Kyoto operated as a commander in the ADF, a terrorist organization, in various locations including Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, Kampala, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source: The Ankole Times