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Entebe gold scammers remanded again

ENTEBE. The six suspects accused of running a gold scam at Entebbe International Airport have been further remanded by the Chief Magistrates Court. The individuals - Kananura Daniel, Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, Nkahirwa Pascal, Mujuzi John Keneddy and Bekalaze Ismail - were apprehended on September 30 following an order by President Museveni to probe illegal airport activities. During the arrest, authorities found 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars that the suspects falsely presented as gold in an attempt to deceive potential investors. However, after a forensic examination by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines, it was determined that the items were actually different minerals. Initially charged on October 11, the suspects are facing accusations of engaging in mineral transactions without proper authorization, mixing minerals with the intention to deceive, and smuggling minerals. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal […]

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Balondemu granted bail

KAMPALA.Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's court has granted a Shs 5 million cash bail to Kampala District Land Board chairperson, David Balondemu, who is facing charges of forging medical documents. Chief magistrate Ronald Kayizzi granted the bail after finding all three of Balondemu's sureties including his wife, sister, and brother-in-law to be substantial. The court also ordered each surety to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 20 million. As part of his bail conditions, Balondemu’s passport was retained by the court, and he has been prohibited from travelling outside Uganda without prior permission. State prosecutor Viola Tusingwire had opposed the bail application, arguing that Balondemu had ignored seven court summonses, even after criminal summons were published in newspapers. However, magistrate Kayizzi ruled that newspaper notices do not guarantee effective service, agreeing with Balondemu’s defense that he may not have seen the […]

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Balondemu lawyers now state witnesses as bail denied

KAMPALA. The lawyers of embattled Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, Balondemu David, has turned into state witnesses as he was denied bail for the second time at Buganda Road Court on Wednesday. Balondemu's own legal team, comprising lawyers Kamba Hassan, Robert Bautu, Alaka, Mbidi, and Evans Ochieng, have now become witnesses on the current file. This development means that Balondemu cannot continue to be represented by his current lawyers and will need to seek new legal counsel for his defense moving forward. The prosecution argued that his sureties were not substantial and that his release could potentially disrupt the ongoing investigation. As a result, Balondemu has been remanded until 24th October 2024, pending further bail applications. Balondemu is batting a string of alleged forgery and fraud cases. Mr. Balondemu reportedly submitted counterfeit medical documents to the court in […]

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Prosecutors Seek Recusal of Balondemu’s defense Lawyer as bail referred

The Buganda Road Court in Kampala has referred the bail application of Mr. David Balondemu, the Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board and a city lawyer, returning him to Luzira prison. He is facing allegations of forgery in investigations led by Brig Henry Isoke State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU). The prosecution team, led by Viola Tusingwire, has requested one of Balondemu's defense lawyers, Robert Bautu, to recuse himself from the case due to his potential role as a prosecution witness. During a recent court appearance, Balondemu faced three charges, including conspiring with a doctor from Mulago National Referral Hospital to commit forgery. The prosecutors sought an adjournment of the proceedings, citing a lack of access to the police file necessary for a response to Balondemu's bail application. Tusingwire emphasized the need for Bautu to step aside from representing […]

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SH-ACU led op sees officials charged, remanded for misuse of PDM funds,

BUDUDA: Today, a joint operation involving the State House Anti corruption Unit (SH-ACU) and other agencies has resulted in the arraignment of two suspects, Wakoko Kassim and Nakhaima Francis, at the Bududa Chief Magistrates Court. Wakoko Kasim, the Parish Chief Bunandutu, faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences. He allegedly deceived several Bunandutu PDM SACCO members, fraudulently acquiring large sums under the guise of processing their funds. Nakhaima Francis, an employee of public service, stands accused of falsifying documents related to Bumakita PDM SACCO funds. Alongside accomplices still at large, they submitted erroneous returns and registered non-beneficiaries into the system. Both suspects have been remanded until 5th November 2024 while investigations continue. This development highlights ongoing efforts to combat financial misconduct and uphold integrity in fund management practices.

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Balondemu remanded in fresh forgery allegations

KAMPALA. Embattled Kampala District Land Board David Balondemu has been arraigned in court and remanded in a series of forgery allegations against him. Balondemu was arraigned in the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, facing charges of forgery and conspiracy to commit a felony. The court heard that he allegedly forged medical documents to support his bail application, in relation to accusations of obtaining money by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud over UGX 2.2 Billion from an American Company, KG Unlimited LL.C. He has been remanded until October 22, 2024, after his arrest by detectives from the State House Anti Corruption Unit and other security agencies upon his arrival from Dubai. This recent arrest follows the reinstatement of his fraud cases, including alleged involvement in money laundering and fraudulent property transfer charges. Balondemu denied the […]

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Just in: Roko bangs doors on LoP Ssenyonyi

The Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has today been denied access to Roko Construction's office premises during an oversight visit. Ssenyonyi had led the Shadow Cabinet to assess the use of Shs260b of taxpayers' funds, stating the value for money is yet to be seen. To his shock, the guards at the offices stood their grounds as they kept the doors closed and shut. See below for video: https://x.com/LoP_Uganda/status/1845745268529996211?t=1z4nC_33LP2z6Q2qBoeusQ&s=19

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Lawyer Balondemu back into custody after Entebe airport arrest

Kampala. The chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, David Balondemu, also owner of M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, is back into custody to face charges of falsifying medical records to secure a court bail. Balondemu is also under scrutiny in reinstated charges following investigations by the Brig Henry Isoke led State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) regarding gold scams and other alleged sham transactions. State owned newspaper, New Vision quoting police sources reported on Monday Balondemu was arrested soon after landing at Entebe International Airport as he returned from Dubai on Friday. In SH-ACU’s investigations, it is alleged Balondemu, through his law firms M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, is implicated in several cases of alleged fraud. One prominent case involves the accused defrauding Guner Kuzu Construction Limited, a Turkish Company, of a substantial amount totaling USD 3,806,885 (approximately […]

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SH-ACU led operation sees six Gold Scammers Arrested, Remanded in Entebbe

ENTEBE. In a major breakthrough for the fight against illegal dealing in minerals, six suspects, some Entebe Airport staff have been arrested and charged for a gold scam at Entebbe International Airport. The suspects were apprehended following a directive from the President of Uganda, who instructed the Anti-Graft Unit (SHACU) to investigate the matter. The operation, which took place on 30th September 2024, involved a collaborative effort between SHACU, the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The team targeted individuals involved in the illegal trade of minerals, particularly gold, at the airport. Among the arrested suspects are prominent figures such as Kananura Daniel, a businessman, Mpomba Richard and Muhwezi Benon, both clearing agents at Entebbe International Airport, Nkahirwa Pascal, a clearing agent in Kampala, Mujuzi John Keneddy, a cleaner at the airport, […]

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SH-ACU arrests town agents, two others over PDM fraud

KABAROLE. Four people have been arrested in connection with allegations of extorting money from numerous members of various SACCOs and enterprise groups in Kabarole. Kobusingye Esther, who serves as the Town Agent for Kibasi ward in Kibasi Town Council, along with Godfrey Busingye, Town Agent for Kinyererezi ward in Kijura Town Council, are currently facing charges before the Chief Magistrates Court in Fortportal. Additionally, two leaders from the PDM SACCO are involved in this case. They include Fred, the Chairperson of Kabedde Ward PDM SACCO, and Mugabe Robert, the Vice Chairperson of Kibedde ward PDM SACCO, all hailing from Kabarole district. The charges they are facing revolve around allegations of extorting money from numerous members of various SACCOs and enterprise groups. The accused individuals are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities between November 2023 and September 2024. During this period, […]