KAMPALA – A porter at the Serena Hotel in Kampala has been remanded in custody after allegedly stealing $12,000 (about Shs45 million) that a visiting South Sudanese army officer had set aside to buy a watch as a gift for President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
William Ssemata, 39, of Nansana Village in Wakiso District, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 27. He faces one count of theft contrary to Sections 237(1) and 244 of the Penal Code Act. Prosecutor Grace Amy told the court that investigations were continuing and asked for more time to complete the file. Ssemata was remanded to Luzira Prison and will return on May 13 to take his plea before Trial Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa.
Court documents state that on April 12, Brigadier General Aaron Jeremiah Balla, a South Sudanese soldier, arrived from Malaysia through Entebbe International Airport shortly after 4pm carrying more than $12,000 in cash. After exchanging part of the money at the airport, he kept $12,000 in his luggage specifically for the presidential gift. Upon checking into the five-star Serena Hotel, his three suitcases and handbag were received and screened by hotel staff. Ssemata was assigned to deliver the luggage to Balla’s room.
Hotel Assistant Security Manager Moses Olowo said internal checks and CCTV footage showed Ssemata as the only staff member who handled the luggage before it reached the guest’s room. The recording captured him entering a lift alone with the bags; no other person was seen accessing them. The cash was discovered missing shortly afterwards.
Ssemata was apprehended on April 18 and handed over to police. No plea has yet been taken.
