By Once a prominent figure in politics, Mubarak Munyagwa’s fate took a drastic turn when he found himself behind bars. The former Kawempe South Division MP, along with four other individuals, faced a series of serious charges including criminal trespass, malicious damage to property, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The court proceedings commenced as Munyagwa and his alleged accomplices appeared before Chief Magistrate Doreen Karungi in the afternoon. Denying the charges levied against them, they hoped to clear their names. However, their hopes were dashed as Magistrate Karungi made the decision to remand them to Luzira prison until June 12, when they would have another chance to present their case in court.
The charges brought against Munyagwa and his associates were outlined in a detailed charge sheet. According to the document, the group, including Munyagwa, Paddy Kabuye, Joweria Nakafero, Godfrey Buwembo, Isa Sekitoleko, and several others still at large, were accused of various offenses committed between May 26 and June 3, 2023, in Mutungo cell, Wakiso District.
Their alleged transgressions included trespassing upon a piece of land registered as LRV 3839 Folio 20, Kyadondo Block 272 Plot 256, with the intention to cause annoyance to Dechomai Asset Trust Number Three L.C.C. Furthermore, they were charged with willfully and unlawfully destroying cassava crops worth Shs5 million, which belonged to Janan Opio.
Among the accused, Paddy Kabuye, aged 47, held the position of chairman LC1 Bugu Zone in Busabala ward, Masajja Division, Wakiso District. Meanwhile, Buwembo, a 22-year-old student, resided in Mirimu Zone, Ndejje Ward, Makindye Ssabagabo, also in Wakiso District. Sekitoleko, a 45-year-old casual laborer, called Makindye Central Zone, Makindye Sabagabo, his home. Finally, Nakafero, aged 41, lived in Masajja B Cell, Makindye Sabagabo, Wakiso District.
The charges against Munyagwa and his cohorts were twofold. They faced counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, as it was alleged that they conspired to unlawfully trespass on the land mentioned earlier. Additionally, they were accused of conspiring to commit malicious damage to property.
The downfall of Munyagwa and his associates was swift. They were apprehended on Tuesday morning by officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, with assistance from the police. Following a brief detention at Kajjansi Police Station, they were presented before the court to face justice.
As their trial loomed in the near future, Munyagwa and the others found themselves ensnared in a web of legal troubles, their reputations tarnished and their futures uncertain.
