2025.9.4 Lukwago Raises Alarm over Besigye’S Health after Court No-Show
Uganda. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has raised fresh concerns over the health of jailed opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, revealing that the former presidential candidate is in a critical state and unable to move.
This follows Besigye’s no-show at the High Court Criminal Division on Monday, where he and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale were expected to take plea on charges of treason and misprision of treason.
The session was adjourned to October 1 after both men failed to appear.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Lukwago, who is also Besigye’s lawyer, described a worrying scene during a recent visit to Luzira Prison.
“It is sad Besigye is not here,” Lukwago said. “When we went to visit him, he was in a room and can’t leave. He is not well. Hajji Obeid Lutale told us he is experiencing dizziness, and by evening yesterday, no one could see him. Let us pray that he gets better.”
Besigye, who was arrested in Nairobi last November and forcibly returned to Uganda, has been in detention ever since. In March, he staged a hunger strike protesting his trial before a military court — a protest that severely affected his health.
His frail condition during a brief appearance before a magistrate in Kampala earlier this year left supporters in tears.
Monday’s missed court appearance has now intensified concerns about his well-being, especially given continued reports that he is not receiving adequate medical attention in prison.
At Monday’s session, the state informed the court that letters had been received from Besigye and Lutale explaining their absence — with Besigye citing illness, and Lutale claiming he had not been properly informed of the court date.
Lukwago and fellow defense lawyers maintain that Besigye’s deteriorating condition, as well as his objections to the presiding judge, have made it impossible for him to participate in the proceedings under current conditions.
They have filed a formal request for Justice Emmanuel Baguma to recuse himself from the case, citing a lack of confidence in a fair trial.
The judge ruled that the matter would be addressed when all accused are physically present in court and postponed the case to October 1, 2025.
Besigye’s legal team and family have reiterated calls for his immediate transfer to a proper medical facility, warning that his continued detention under the current conditions amounts to “cruel and degrading treatment.”
2025.9.2 Professor Wasswa Balunywa remanded to Luzira on abuse of office charges
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded former Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Professor Wasswa Balunywa, to Luzira Prison on two separate case files in which he is accused of abuse of office.
Balunywa was on Tuesday arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze, who read to him the charges in both files.
In the first case, it is alleged that between March 18 and March 28, 2023, Balunywa arbitrarily recruited Arike James, Nimrod Kakayi, and Nathan Niwagira as Administrative Assistants, knowing they did not meet the minimum academic qualifications, thereby creating ineligible costs for the Government of Uganda.
In this file, he is jointly charged with Jacqueline Namaganda, the Acting Human Resource Director at Makerere University Business School, who was granted cash bail of four million Shillings last week. The second case, registered on Tuesday, alleges that between 2020 and 2023, Balunywa abused his office by recruiting about 200 staff irregularly, a role reserved for the Appointment Committee.
Caroline Nabaasa, the Principal Assistant DPP, informed the Court that investigations are complete and requested an adjournment to share disclosures and commence the trial. Balunywa denied both charges.
His lawyers, Shamim Nalule and Asuman Matovu, applied for bail on the first case file and requested the Court to adopt the sureties presented for that file for both cases. However, the Magistrate declined, stating that new sureties were required.
The lawyers highlighted that the offences are bailable and that Balunywa learned of the case through media reports, not an official summons. They assured the Court of his compliance by offering his valid Ugandan passport and a certificate of title for land in Bukoyo, Kigulu County, Iganga District as security.
Among those offering themselves as sureties were Muhammed Ngoma, Balunywa’s brother and Vice Chancellor at Kampala International University, Professor Sudi Nangoli, Managing Director of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation, Ali Balunywa, Balunywa’s son and Sales Director at Airtel Uganda, and Hajjati Ndifuna Zawudi, his sister and Director of Mbogo Schools.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns over the ability of the proposed sureties to ensure Balunywa’s attendance in court, noting that they were younger or personally connected to the accused. They further pointed out that Balunywa had only appeared in court after a criminal summons and could not be contacted by phone before his arraignment.
Balunywa will return to Court on September 5, 2025, for the ruling on the first bail application and the hearing of the bail application on the second file. Professor Balunywa and Namaganda are among a group of 30 people accused of causing the government a financial loss of 53 billion Shillings across various agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority and Uganda Police Force. Of the 30 accused, at least 15 have already been arraigned.
2025.9.1 Six Congolese Arrested Over Counterfeit Dollars in Arua
Arua, Uganda – Six Congolese nationals are in custody at Arua City Central Police Station for allegedly dealing in counterfeit U.S. dollars, while others remain at large. The suspects were arrested late Friday at Upper Bibia Cell, Pangisha Ward, Arua Central Division, as they attempted to exchange 300,000 fake U.S. dollars, packed in three bundles, for Ugandan shillings.
Richard Amvuku, the Officer in Charge of Operations at Arua City CPS, who led the operation, stated that police acted on a tip-off from the community. He revealed that the counterfeit notes were estimated at 1.68 billion shillings. The suspects, identified as Joseph Manikeleza, Asiha Mumbere, Aquinza Dudu Mitira, Sadraq Kabutala, Jean Pierre Hassan, and Musa Muhammad, face charges of dealing in fake currency and defrauding the public. Amvuku said the group, aged between 25 and 50, claimed to be Congolese refugees but had no documentation at the time of their arrest.
Meanwhile, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile, Jimmy Anguyo, warned the business community and the public in Arua and across West Nile against transacting foreign currency in unlicensed places. He said such dealings expose them to fraudsters.
Anguyo added that police will sustain operations to clean up the city, noting that Arua has increasingly become a hub for suspicious characters.
Police have since launched investigations and a manhunt for other suspects still at large, appealing to the public to provide timely information to curb such crimes.
In a related development, police in Arua recovered two vehicles stolen from Malaba in Kenya and Wandegeya in Kampala, which have been handed over to Interpol in Kampala for further management.
2025.9.1 Jailed Ugandan opposition figure boycotts trial, accusing judge of bias
KAMPALA (Reuters) -Jailed Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye boycotted the start of his treason trial on Monday, accusing the presiding judge of bias, his attorney said.
Besigye’s months-long detention has shone a spotlight on President Yoweri Museveni’s human rights record ahead of polls early next year in which Museveni, 80, is seeking re-election.
The trial of Besigye and his aide, Obed Lutale, was supposed to start on Monday after months of delays, but both defendants decided to boycott the proceedings after the judge, Emmanuel Baguma, refused to recuse himself, their attorney Eron Kiiza told Reuters.
Besigye’s attorneys cited Baguma’s decision to deny Besigye bail as the basis for the accusations of bias.
Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda said there was no justification for the bias accusations and confirmed that Baguma had refused to recuse himself. Judge Baguma could not be reached immediately.
“Besigye and Lutale took a decision never to appear before Judge Baguma,” attorney Kiiza said.
“He is incapable of delivering justice with fairness and impartiality as required by the constitution and logic,” Kiiza added.
A former ally and personal physician of Museveni, Besigye has stood and lost against Museveni in four elections. He has not indicated whether he wants to run again.
He was detained alongside his aide in November last year in neighbouring Kenya and returned to Uganda where both were subsequently charged with treason and other offences, initially in a military tribunal before the case was transferred to a civilian court.
He denies the charges.
2025.8.29 Eighth scouts’ association leader charged, remanded over Kazi land
Muledhu’s arraignment in court comes in the wake of his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
David Muledhu, who identified him self as national executive secretary of Uganda Boys Scouts Association, was on Thursday arraigned before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court and charged with, among others, unlawful occupation of premises belonging to another plus malicious property damage.
Muledhu’s arraignment in court comes in the wake of his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
SHACU media release on Thursday states that Muledhu now joins seven co-accused scout leaders: Patrick Buragahare Mujuni, Stephen Butumbwire, Mugisha John, Stephen Brian Musoke, Alex Mununuzi, Michael Richard Orwanga, and Francis Anyango, who were earlier charged in the same matter.
“On Thursday evening, SHACU, in collaboration with CID and ODPP, arraigned Muledhu before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court. He faces charges of unlawful occupation of land belonging to another, malicious damage to property, conspiracy to commit a felony, forcible detainer, and forcible entry,” the statement read.
The group is accused of violently taking over the National Camping and Scouts Centre at Kaazi–Busaabala, Masajja Division, Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality on June 24, 2025, disrupting operations of the Uganda Scouts Association and causing extensive damage to property.
Muledhu has been remanded until September 1, 2025.
The land is located in Kaazi-Busabala-Wakiso, and is owned by the Scouts movement in Kaazi, Uganda; however, the site is currently at risk of being taken by land grabbers.
In July last year, the scouts appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to protect this valuable property, which is vital for scouting activities in the region.
This was after they were blocked from accessing their historic Kazi grounds in Wakiso District, where they had planned to hold a national general assembly.
The group, comprising scouts and leaders from across the country, was allegedly turned away by security personnel stationed at the entrance despite presenting valid clearance documents from both the Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
They then set up a temporary camp along the Kazi–Nakawuka Road, not far from the disputed site.
“We are deeply disappointed and confused. We followed all procedures and were cleared by the authorities, yet we were blocked from accessing our own grounds,” said Uganda Scouts Commissioner Jane Nyiramahoro.
2025.8.25 Elephants kill two women in Nwoya
Residents of Obira parish in Nwoya district, northern Uganda, are in mourning after a herd of elephants killed two women on Friday.
The victims, identified as Scovia Ayiyorwoth, 26, and Doreen Akumu, 46, were attacked while returning from collecting firewood. According to Geoffrey Odaga Pacutho, LCI chairman, Ayiyorwoth, who was carrying her eight-month-old baby, threw the child to safety as the elephants charged.
The baby survived unharmed, but both women were trampled to death. Maculata Mandhawun, who was with the victims, said the tragedy happened just a short distance from their homes.
She tearfully recounted that elephants had also destroyed her five-hectare cassava garden and that her family had now lost members to elephant attacks on two separate occasions.
Local leaders and residents are appealing to the government and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for urgent intervention. Omaka Opiyo, a parish councillor, expressed concern over the increasing human-wildlife conflict, which has forced many families to abandon farming and resort to selling firewood for a living.
Walter Piwun, the LC II chairperson, and resident Kennedy Osaaga stressed the need for ranger posts and the extension of the electric fence to save lives and protect livelihoods. According to locals, at least eight people have been killed by wildlife in the area since 2013.
They claim that while UWA previously provided a burial support of Shs 2 million per victim, families have not received full compensation for their losses. The latest attack follows another incident barely a month ago when an elephant destroyed a classroom wall at Jachan Okella Parents primary school in the same parish, forcing students to study under a tree.
According to a recent report from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, 44 kilometres of an electric fence have been installed in Nwoya district to mitigate such conflicts, with work ongoing to extend it further. However, residents and local leaders argue that this is insufficient and that more needs to be done to protect communities.
2025.8.19 Woman on the Run After Torching Three Houses Over Infidelity Dispute
A 21-year-old woman is at large after allegedly setting three homes ablaze following a domestic dispute over suspected infidelity in Kakumiro District.
Alicious Nasasira, a 21-year-old Sunday school teacher at Mulinga Church of Uganda, is on the run after allegedly setting three houses on fire in Kamiramputa LC1, Kitabona Parish, Katikara Sub-county on Sunday evening.
According to her husband, Jordan Niwagaba, the conflict began after Nasasira overheard a phone conversation she believed implicated him in an affair.
She reportedly confronted him with a panga, accusing him of infidelity. Although he managed to subdue her during the confrontation, she allegedly returned later and set their home ablaze.
The fire spread to a second house owned by Niwagaba’s brother and a nearby kitchen, destroying all three structures.
Kamiramputa Village Chairperson, Mbabazi Beda Ruhanda, described the incident as a “devilish act” and urged couples to seek spiritual guidance to resolve disputes peacefully.
Neighbours confirmed the couple had a history of domestic disagreements, often involving accusations of infidelity.
Police from Katikara visited the scene, recording statements from affected individuals, but Nasasira remains at large as investigations continue.
2025.8.18 Police Recover Eleven Suspected Stolen Cows in Hoima City
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region police spokesperson, confirmed the recovery, noting that police responded swiftly to a tip-off from residents who spotted the cows roaming in the city center. The animals had been abandoned by the suspects following a suspected botched cattle theft.
The police in Hoima City have recovered eleven suspected stolen cows. The animals are believed to have been stolen from Kakumiro District and were being transported to an unknown destination when they were recovered in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region police spokesperson, confirmed the recovery, noting that police responded swiftly to a tip-off from residents who spotted the cows roaming in the city center. The animals had been abandoned by the suspects following a suspected botched cattle theft.
He explained that after realizing police had noticed their movement, the suspects abandoned the cows and fled. “We currently have eleven cows at Hoima City Central Police Station. Preliminary investigations reveal that the cows were from Kakumiro District and were likely being transported to Hoima City abattoir for slaughter or to other destinations,” said Hakiza.
The recovered cows are being kept at the Hoima City Central Police Station pending identification by their owners. Hakiza added that police in the Albertine Region are working closely with local leaders and residents to curb the rising cases of animal theft. Hakiza appealed to anyone claiming the animals to provide proper proof of ownership, including prior police reports and documentation.
“We cannot just release the cows to anyone claiming them. Thorough investigations are necessary to identify the true owners,” he said. Cattle thefts have been rampant in the Bunyoro Sub-Region. In March, the police flying squad recovered 24 stolen cows in Masindi and arrested two suspects, Lawrence Farouk Busobozi and Alex Mukonyezi.
The animals had been stolen from Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Kyankwanzi, Luwero, and Kiryandongo districts and stored in a kraal in Masindi. In February, the police flying squad recovered fourteen stolen cows in Hoima City and arrested two suspects, Ronald Katooto, 35, from Nabiswera village in Nakasongola, and Godwin Tayebw, 38, from Kyankwanzi. The stolen animals had been kept in a kraal in Kyarwabuyamba cell in Hoima East Division.
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On April 20, 2023, the accused, along with others still at large, conspired to defraud or deceive by producing a false document in the form of a lease agreement dated April 20, 2023. This document falsely claimed that a lease had been executed between SEMA Holding Limited and Ephrata Investment Group Ltd, which was untrue.
The intent was to obtain a sum of UGX917 million from Kalpana Abe and her company, SEMA Holding Limited, in the pretense that this money would be invested in Ephrata Investment Group for the Blackzone Recreation center at Plot 3A Lugogo By-Pass.
The court has remanded them to prison until August 13, 2025.
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The suspects presented themselves as members of a non-existent “Special Contracts Committee” within the Office of the President, which they claimed was responsible for overseeing the procurement of the USD 4.95 million AD BLUE Solution for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. They claimed to hold the following positions:
1.Dr. Mulyansaka Charles – Chairman, Special Contracts Committee
2.Mwesigwa Moses – Director of Procurement
3.Seruma Moses – Communication/IT Specialist
4.Watum Peter – Secretary
The suspects and others still at large forged documents complete with fake stamps, purporting to originate from the Office of the President, with the intention of defrauding Mr. Furkan Gumran and SIRUS BLUE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. of USD 4.95 million.
The suspects have been charged with forgery, uttering false documents, attempting to commit a felony, and electronic fraud. They have been remanded by Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court until August 11, 2025.
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The accused, along with others still at large, allegedly committed these offenses on January 3, 2018, at the KCCA Ministry Zonal Office in Kampala. They created a false transfer form, with the intent to deceive or defraud, and subsequently, fraudulently obtained a certificate of title for land located in Kyadondo Block 255, Plot 389, at Munyonyo.
2025.7.9 Lawyer Who Made a Habit of Pilfering Kanyeihamba’s Cheques Starts Paying for His Crimes
Court hears how advocate Andrew Obam laundered over $56,500 stolen from retired Supreme Court justice by conniving with his driver to take away cheques
A lawyer who turned pilfering of cheques from retired Supreme Court judge George William Kanyeihamba into a habit has started paying for his crimes.
Andrew Obam, an advocate and sole signatory to the account of Loi Advocates, was this week arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of money laundering.
The charges stem from a scheme in which he allegedly conspired with David Kaliisa, a former driver to Prof. Kanyeihamba, to steal more than $56,500 (about Shs214 million) over a two-year period.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, which worked alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the theft occurred between October 2022 and September 2024.
During that time, several cheques belonging to the retired judge were allegedly swiped and used to funnel funds into the law firm account controlled by Obam.
In what investigators are calling a clear-cut case of betrayal and abuse of professional trust, the money ended up in the very account where Obam had the sole authority to sign off on transactions.
He has since been remanded to prison until July 14, 2025, when he is expected to return to court and formally enter his plea.
Prof. Kanyeihamba, known for his sharp legal mind and straight talk, served as a Supreme Court justice and also held the office of Attorney General.
That such a senior and respected figure in Uganda’s legal fraternity could be defrauded by his own driver and a licensed advocate has stunned legal circles.
Observers say the case paints a worrying picture of just how vulnerable even the most distinguished citizens can be to betrayal from within—and raises questions about ethical rot among some members of the legal profession.
One investigator familiar with the case quipped, “It’s bad enough to steal from anyone, but if you’re filching cheques from a retired Supreme Court justice, you’re not just bold—you’re reckless.”
If convicted, Obam could face not just prison time, but also disciplinary proceedings from the Uganda Law Council, potentially spelling the end of his legal career.
ENTEBBE, UGANDA – Police in Entebbe are investigating the brutal murder of an elderly couple, Mutaaga David, 69, and his wife, Deborah Florence, 62, who were found stabbed to death in their home in Lugonjo Nakiwogo Cell, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
The couple had just returned from Europe where they spent a bigger part of their lives and they were settled in their retirement home. Authorities suspect the killings occurred during an aggravated robbery.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, officers were alerted to a suspected attack at the Mutaaga residence by a household worker. A police team immediately responded to the scene, where they discovered the bodies of the couple, both bearing fatal stab wounds.
Crime scene investigators have collected several exhibits for forensic analysis, and the bodies have been transported to the City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem examinations.
“The motive behind this heinous crime is still under investigation and will be communicated in due course,” stated ASP Owoyesigyire in the release. He added that efforts are actively underway to identify and apprehend the suspect or suspects responsible for the murders.
The police have strongly condemned the act, reassuring the public of their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
A total of 17 individuals have been charged with terrorism following a joint operation by security agencies and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL) targeting acts of vandalism against the country’s electricity infrastructure.
The suspects, including Joseph Ssemanda, Emmanuel Kato, and Yasin Mutyaba, were arraigned before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on July 2, 2025.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 2022 and May 2025 across multiple districts including Kampala Metropolitan Area, Luweero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Kiboga, and Mubende.
According to the police, the suspects intentionally vandalized and interfered with vital electricity infrastructure with the intent to intimidate the public and influence the government’s political, social, and economic programs.
“These actions caused massive power disruptions that affected key facilities such as Luweero Industries and Nakasongola Military Hospital, leading to severe load shedding, high replacement costs, and interruptions to both domestic and commercial electricity users,” the police noted in a statement issued via X official account.
The Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo, warned of stern consequences for those targeting national utilities.
“Let those sabotaging our electricity infrastructure be warned that jail awaits you, and the consequences will be severe,” he stated.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near power installations to local leaders, security agencies, or UEDCL.
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