Mercy Timbitwire remanded over assaulting traffic officer

Timbitwire, who serves as the public relations officer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretariat was on Monday remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with assault.

She was filmed attacking and slapping officer Charles Makawa at the UMA Showgrounds in Nakawa Division on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Multiple charges

Timbitwire She Jinja Road Police Station before being presented to the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors have filed two separate cases against her, including multiple charges related to robbery and assault.

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In the first case, Timbitwire, alongside a one Bernadine Abangira, an administrator at Berger Rights Holdings Limited, is accused of robbing officer Makawa of two mobile phones valued at UGX 800,000 and an Express Penalty Scheme (EPS) machine worth UGX 14 million, property of the Uganda Police Force. Additionally, both are charged with assaulting a police officer and being accessories after the fact of a felony.

Prosecutors allege that after the altercation, Timbitwire and Abangira used personal violence against officer Makawa, who was performing his duties at the time. Furthermore, Abangira is accused of aiding Timbitwire by helping her evade legal repercussions.

In the second case, Timbitwire faces charges related to reckless driving, failing to comply with a police officer, and operating a vehicle without the required third-party insurance.

According to court documents, she was seen driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser recklessly while using a mobile phone near Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on New Port Bell Road.

Both defendants denied the charges when presented before Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza.

State Attorney Mariam Kuluthum informed the court that investigations are complete. Timbitwire and Abangira were subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison until November 4, 2024, when the case will proceed further.