Both suspects pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Kaiza sentenced them to three years in prison or an alternative fine of sh300,000 each.
Two Rwandan nationals have been convicted and sentenced in Masaka after being found guilty of fraud and spreading false information about HIV/Aids by selling a fake cure they claimed could treat the disease within two weeks.
Festo Katanye Mugabe (37), a resident of Kigali, and Nathan Karamuzi Kadogo (28) appeared before Grade One Magistrate Abdallah Kaiza, where they faced charges stemming from their activities targeting local traders.
According to the prosecution, led by Michael Wakosase, the duo sold the alleged cure at prices ranging between sh150,000 and sh300,000. Their operation came to light on April 30 when a suspicious victim alerted police, leading to their arrest at Golf Lane Hotel.
“They were found selling a substance they claimed could cure HIV within two weeks,” Wakosase told the court.
Both suspects pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Kaiza sentenced them to three years in prison or an alternative fine of sh300,000 each. The court further ordered that the seized substances be handed over to the National Drug Authority for scientific analysis.
However, the sentence has drawn criticism from health authorities. Abiaz Rwamwiri, spokesperson for the National Drug Authority, described the punishment as too lenient given the potential harm to the public.
Authorities and health officials have since issued renewed warnings against the use of unverified medicines, urging patients to seek treatment only from qualified medical professionals and recognized health facilities.
