14th September 2023.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Hanipher Mpungu, 46, the Deputy Mayor of Kampala Central, has been further remanded by the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of obtaining Shs450 million in a land fraud scheme. This decision was made during a court appearance on Wednesday, with Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa presiding.
The prosecution alleges that in May and June 2022, Ms. Mpungu, with the intent to defraud, obtained Shs450 million from Tony Grace Mulinde Lugayuzi, claiming to sell him a half-acre of land located at Plot 4 Berkeley Road in Entebbe, Wakiso District.
Ms. Mpungu’s bail application had previously been contested by the prosecution, led by Ms. Doreen Erima, who argued that granting bail could result in her absconding from court. In support of this claim, the prosecution presented a sworn affidavit from the investigating officer, Mr. Peter Moses Abwona, stating that on August 12, 2023, Ms. Mpungu was released on police bond but failed to honor it.
Furthermore, the affidavit mentioned that on August 23, 2023, she was summoned to appear in court but failed to comply. Instead, her lawyer informed the court that she was admitted to the Wellington Diabetes and Heart Center Nakasero. Subsequently, Ms. Mpungu was intercepted and arrested on August 31, 2023, while reportedly on her way to a party with her children in Nangabo, Kasangati.
Court documents reveal that Ms. Mpungu had purportedly sold the land in question to Mr. Lugayuzi in 2021 for the sum of Shs450 million. However, when Mr. Lugayuzi attempted to utilize the land, he discovered that it was claimed by the Nurses and Midwives Union, having been donated by the government. The title of the land had been transferred to Ms. Mpungu for administrative purposes.
Allegedly, Mr. Lugayuzi requested a refund of his money, but Ms. Mpungu declined to comply, resulting in the initiation of a case at Kira Road Police Station.
Ms. Neumbe Kidasa, the Chief Magistrate, has ordered Ms. Mpungu’s further remand until September 20, 2023, when her bail application and trial hearing are scheduled to take place.
