Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
Sarah Babirye Kityo, the President of the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF), was on 17th May 2023 released on bail by Grade One Magistrate Siena Owomugisha. Sarah is charged with obtaining money by false pretence, an offence which attracts 5 years imprisonment.
Amidst a charged atmosphere, Ms. Kityo stood in the dock alongside her co-accused businesswoman Zainab Namutebi, both on charges arising from claims made by two individuals who assert they fell victim to the accused duo’s deceitful actions. Sarah Wamala, one of the victims, alleges that she entrusted a substantial sum of Shs 8 million to Ms. Kityo and Ms. Namutebi, who falsely promised to facilitate her son’s journey to the United States. Similarly, Gloria Kikomeko Nantambi maintains that she was duped into parting with Shs 8 million under the false pretence of being granted an opportunity to travel to the US.
During the Monday afternoon arraignment proceedings, Ms. Kityo and Ms. Namutebi entered pleas of not guilty in response to the charges brought against them prompting the Grade One Magistrate Siena Owomugisha to remand them until Wednesday 17th May when their bail application would be heard.
Through their lawyers of Blair and Co. Advocates, Ms. Kityo and Ms. Namutebi informed court that they all have permanent places of residence where they can be reached anytime court requires them. They also informed court that the nature of the offence was not so grave in nature and their clients would be willing to attend court whenever they are required to appear. The lawyers further presented two sureties for each of the accused persons. The state attorney did not oppose the bail application and only requested court to impose stringent terms of bail.
The presiding magistrate released the duo on a one million cash bail and four million bond for each of the sureties. The Magistrate further issued a stern warning that any slight failure to appear in court whenever required would result in the re-arrest of the duo, payment of a hefty Shs10 million cash penalty, and potential incarceration at the court’s discretion.
It is important to note that prior to the court case, Ms. Kityo had taken temporary leave from her role as UNF president. This decision allowed a special committee, appointed by Minister of Sports and Education Janet Museveni, to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of office abuse and financial mismanagement. Concerns had also been raised by the National Council of Sports leadership regarding Ms. Kityo’s alleged mishandling of finances during previous engagements involving the national team.
Court has set June 6, 2023, for the hearing of the case.
