By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
A shocking case of alleged fraud has emerged as Sarah Babirye Kityo, the former Central Youth Member of Parliament and president of the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) has found herself facing charges of obtaining money by false pretense and was remanded to Luzira prison. Accompanied by businesswoman Zainab Namutebi, Babirye stood before Magistrate Grade One Siena Owomugisha at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 15. Both individuals vehemently denied the charges laid against them, creating a courtroom atmosphere charged with tension and uncertainty.
Babirye and Namutebi are accused of orchestrating an intricate scheme to defraud unsuspecting victims, thereby contravening Section 305 of the Penal Code Act. State Attorney Joyce Nakato disclosed that investigations into the matter are still in progress. Consequently, the Magistrate made the decision to remand the duo to Luzira Prison until May 17, 2023, when the case will be revisited. The legal ramifications of these charges are grave, as they carry potential long-term consequences for the defendants.
The prosecution alleges that, in the month of May 2022, Babirye, Namutebi, and accomplices yet to be apprehended, intentionally deceived Sarah Wamala by falsely promising to arrange her son’s journey to the United States. As part of their deceptive ploy, they managed to extract a staggering sum of UGX 8 million from Wamala. However, their promises proved hollow, leaving the victim in disbelief and financial turmoil. Another victim, Gloria Kikomeko Nantambi, also fell prey to their nefarious tactics, as she claims they fraudulently obtained UGX 8 million from her with the same false promise of facilitating her trip to the US.
In the courtroom, Babirye and Namutebi pleaded not guilty, their voices filled with conviction and defiance. Their fate now lies in the hands of Magistrate Siena Owomugisha, who ordered their confinement at Luzira Prison until May 17, 2023. It is on this day that the court will consider their bail application and proceed with the formal hearing, unraveling the layers of this complex legal web.
These shocking revelations surfaced amidst Sarah Babirye Kityo’s decision to step aside from her role as the UNF president. This voluntary leave of absence, spanning three months, was prompted by the need for an impartial investigation into allegations of financial impropriety within the netball federation and the National Council of Sports. The seriousness of the accusations levelled against Babirye was further underscored during a recent meeting at State House, where the National Council of Sports leadership accused her of financial mismanagement during previous national team engagements.
