Muhammad Ssebuwufu, the former proprietor of Pine Car Bond in Kampala who was convicted over the kidnap, robbery and killing of client Betty Donah Katusabe, has been released from prison after receiving a presidential pardon.
Ssebuwufu was jailed in 2019 and given a 40-year sentence, the toughest among his co-accused. However, the Court of Appeal later reviewed the punishment and reduced it to 18 years, ruling that the original term was excessive when compared with sentencing guidelines and the circumstances of the case.
The incident that led to his conviction happened in October 2015. Court heard that Katusabe had bought a vehicle from Pine Car Bond and a dispute later arose over an alleged unpaid balance of Shs9 million. Prosecutors said she was forcibly taken from her home in Bwebajja, Wakiso District, driven to the car bond and violently assaulted. She later died from the injuries.
The killing sparked public anger and raised concerns about violent methods used to recover debts.
Ssebuwufu and several others were arrested and charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery and murder. After a lengthy trial, the High Court found them guilty, concluding that they had unlawfully detained Katusabe and participated in the fatal attack. His co-convicts received prison terms ranging from 20 to 35 years.
On appeal, the court upheld the murder conviction but reduced Ssebuwufu’s sentence to 18 years.
Prison authorities confirmed that he walked out of Luzira on February 27, 2026, after a presidential pardon granted under constitutional powers exercised on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Speaking after his release, Ssebuwufu maintained that he was innocent, thanked the President for the pardon and said he hopes to rebuild his life and business. He also called for reconciliation with Katusabe’s family.
