Kampala, Uganda.
The Ndeeba Church demolition case, which involves businessman Dodoviko Mwanje and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials, has hit yet another roadblock. The eagerly anticipated hearing has been postponed once more due to a scarcity of witnesses. This is the third time the case has encountered such hindrances, leaving uncertainties regarding its resolution.
Anticipation filled the Anti-Corruption Court as the hearing was about to commence. However, hopes were dashed when state attorney Nicholas Kawooya revealed the absence of witnesses, leading to another adjournment. The new hearing date is now set for September 27, 2023. Frustration looms among all parties involved as the case’s prolonged nature raises concerns about its eventual conclusion.
Defense lawyers, Ambrose Tebyasa, Asuma Matovu, and Deborah Takola, expressed their concerns about the delays. Tebyasa emphasized the urgency of resolving the case promptly, noting that only two witnesses have testified since the proceedings began in 2020. The defense team’s concerns are justified, given the array of charges their clients face, including theft, conspiracy, abuse of office, corruption, and disobedience of lawful orders.
At the heart of the Ndeeba Church demolition case lie troubling allegations. Dodoviko Mwanje faces accusations of stealing church items valued at approximately sh850m during the unlawful demolition of St. Peter’s Church. Allegedly, police officers provided protection to those responsible for the demolition, disregarding orders to safeguard the church. Furthermore, KCCA officials allegedly issued improper demolition permits, violating the Building Control Act. The accused parties are also said to have conspired to circumvent regulations and facilitate the church’s destruction.
Among those accused are Ivan Katongole and Richard Naika, who stand accused of abusing their authority by processing and issuing permits for the demolition. Additionally, CPL Richard Kasule is alleged to have stolen a wooden bench from the church during the chaotic incident. Beyond the charges related to the demolition itself, the suspects are also accused of unlawfully gathering at the church in violation of Covid-19 directives, endangering public health.
