Articles by Juliet Kigongo
Court grants PACEID boss Matthew Bagonza bail in Shs170m money laundering case Original
Matthew Bagonza, head of the Secretariat at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID), appears in the dock at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on October 14, 2026. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA What you need to know: The alleged transactions occurred between September 1, 2023, and August 30, 2026.
Court rules Sipapa, wife have case to answer
Socialite Charles Olimu, popularly known as Sipapa, and his wife, Shamira Namuyimba, have been ordered to defend themselves in the case in which they are accused of aggravated robbery and money laundering. The decision was made by High Court Judge Michael Elubu on Monday after he found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the two accused persons.
Don Chris charged with 127 counts over alleged overseas jobs scam
Socialite and businessman Christian Asiimwe, alias Don Chris, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after denying 127 counts of obtaining money by false pretences in connection with an alleged overseas recruitment scam. Asiimwe appeared before City Hall Court Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Nicholas Aisu on Tuesday, where he denied the charges. He was not represented by a lawyer.
Five Rotarians sue over expulsion from Kampala club
What you need to know: Court battle erupts over Rotary Club disciplinary process. Five members of the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands have dragged Rotary International and several club officials to court, challenging their suspension and subsequent expulsion from the club, which they say was carried out in violation of their right to a fair hearing.
Courts alone cannot handle rising disputes, African judges warn
Ugandan Chief Justice Flavian Zeija (third left), Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Owiny-Dollo (second right), Zambia's Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila (centre) and Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe (second left) during a briefing following the successful transition of leadership of the African Council of Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution Fora (ACJADRF) from Uganda to Zambia in Kampala on June 15, 2026. Photos by Juliet Kigongo.
Shs3.6b fraud case against former trade PS Geraldine Ssali set for trial
The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has fixed June 17 for mention of the case in which former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Geraldine Ssali and five others are accused of causing government financial loss and conspiring to defraud the State of billions of shillings.
Death row inmate Okello Onyum appeals conviction over daycare murders
What you need to know: Convicted killer seeks release in appeal against death sentence. Christopher Okello Onyum, who was sentenced to death for the murder of four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba has appealed both his conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the evidence and wrongly rejected his insanity defence.
Forensic witness in Katanga case grilled
The murder trial of businesswoman Molly Katanga turned tense after a defence witness struggled to answer several questions during a heated cross-examination by the State before Justice Comfort Kania at the High Court in Kampala. Dr Sylvester Onzivua, a retired forensic pathologist and former head of the City Mortuary, appeared as a defence witness to challenge aspects of the postmortem report relating to the death of businessman Henry Katanga.
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The murder trial of businesswoman Molly Katanga turned tense after a defence witness struggled to answer several questions during a heated cross-examination by the State before Justice Comfort Kania at the High Court in Kampala. Dr Sylvester Onzivua, a retired forensic pathologist and former head of the City Mortuary, appeared as a defence witness to challenge aspects of the postmortem report relating to the death of businessman Henry Katanga.
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Outgoing Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (L) and his co-accused in the dock at Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on February 3, 2026.
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The murder trial of businesswoman Molly Katanga took a dramatic turn of events Monday after the State accused her of withdrawing more than Shs40 billion from a Euro account belonging to her deceased husband, businessman Henry Katanga, even while she admitted at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) and later while on remand in Luzira Prison.
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What you need to know: Besigye defence questions state’s evidence on witness threats. Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo on Wednesday came under pressure in the High Court as defence lawyers for opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye resumed cross-examination, pressing him to justify claims of electronic threats allegedly used to support the State’s bid to conceal key prosecution witnesses in the ongoing treason trial.
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Two men accused of orchestrating a large-scale fraud targeting foreign companies have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged theft of about Shs950 million. Godfrey Lubowa Ssekidde, 63, a businessman, and Joseph Ibona, 34, unemployed, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe.
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What you need to know: During earlier proceedings, the state told court that investigations into the matter had been completed and requested that the case be fixed for hearing. After spending more than a month on remand, journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose has been granted cash bail of Shs5 million by the Law Development Centre Court in Kampala.
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High Court in Uganda has dismissed an appeal by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) seeking to compel the family of the late media personality Cedric Ndilima Babu to pay a hefty security deposit before stopping the sale of their Kololo home. In her decision, Justice Susan Odongo upheld an earlier order granting an unconditional temporary injunction to Babu’s estate administrators, Olive Zaitun Kigongo and Allison Gallagher, effectively blocking the bank from foreclosing on the property.
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Ggaba Trading Centre turned into a scene of jubilation yesterday after residents erupted in chants, songs and dance following the sentencing of Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the brutal murder of four toddlers in a case that has gripped the nation and shaken the lakeside community to its core. Outside the mobile High Court sitting at the playground in Kampala, crowds that had gathered from early morning broke into loud celebrations immediately the ruling was delivered.
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Court sets new timelines in Besigye treason case over witness secrecy bid
The High Court in Kampala has set new timelines in the treason case involving opposition figure Kizza Besigye after the prosecution failed to properly serve an application seeking to conceal the identities of six State witnesses. Presiding judge Emmanuel Baguma directed the prosecution to formally serve the accused and all defence lawyers who appeared in court before the matter proceeds.
Socialite Don Nasser off the hook as DPP withdraws trafficking, defilement charges
The Director of Public Prosecutions has withdrawn charges of aggravated trafficking and defilement of a minor against businessman and socialite Nasser Nduhukire, popularly known as Don Nasser. The development was revealed on Tuesday during a pretrial hearing before Justice Andrew Bashaija at the International Crimes Division of the High Court. State prosecutor Joseph Kyomuhendo presented a nolle prosequi letter dated February 4, 2026, formally discontinuing the case.
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Two Ugandan lawyers have taken the government and major telecom companies to court over the internet shutdown that happened during the recent election period, saying the move unfairly disrupted daily life across the country. Advocates Michael Aboneka and Raymond Amumpaire have filed a case in the High Court against the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and Lyca Mobile, challenging the decision to switch off internet services during and around polling days.
Agasiirwe was mastermind in Joan Kagezi killing, court told
What you need to know: The State contends that on March 30, 2015, at Kiwatule in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Agasiirwe, Minaana, and others still at large unlawfully caused the death of Kagezi with malicious intent, writes Juliet Kigongo The prosecution yesterday told court that Senior Superintendent of Police Nickson Agasiirwe was the mastermind of the 2015 killing of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Joan Kagezi.
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City socialite Bryan Kirumira commonly known as Bryan White has been taken to court for mention of his charges of alleged human sacrifice, manslaughter and several related offences in connection with the death of a 25-year old woman who allegedly sustained fatal burn injuries at his Kyamula residence in Makindye Division, Kampala.
Bryan White returned to hospital as court fails to proceed over his condition
Socialite Bryan Kirumira, commonly known as Bryan White, was on Friday returned to hospital after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court in visibly severe pain. Kirumira, who is the lead suspect in a case involving the death of 25 year old Caroline Nalubwama, was brought to court lying on a mattress with his feet heavily bandaged.
Bryan White charged over human sacrifice as wife and four others are remanded
Kampala socialite Bryan Kirumira, commonly known as Bryan White, has been charged with human sacrifice, manslaughter, and several related offences in connection with the death of a 25-year-old woman who allegedly sustained fatal burn injuries at his Kyamula residence in Makindye Division, Kampala. Although Kirumira is listed as the lead suspect, he was absent from court on Thursday when the charges were read to his five co-accused.
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The Industrial Court in Kampala has upheld the summary dismissal of the then Sanyu FM Chief Operations Officer (COO), Betsy Mugamba ruling that her termination was lawful after she participated in what the court described as an “unlawful strike” during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Court orders UHRC to probe Mukulu's detention conditions
What you need to know: Defence lawyer Caleb Alaka informed the court that Mukulu had previously complained of being denied special food, kept in isolation, and exposed to harsh prison conditions The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has directed the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to visit Luzira Prison and investigate the conditions under which former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamilu Mukulu is being held.
Businessman Ham sued over works on Nakivubo Channel
What you need to know: The petitioners claim that Mr Kiggundu is carrying out developments without an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment or securing statutory approvals. City businessman Hamis Kiggundu has been sued over his continued development of the Nakivubo Channel, amid calls to halt the project. The suit was filed in the High Court in Kampala by two lawyers.
How Dutch student vanished in Ugandan park 10 years ago
The mother of Sophia Koetsier, the Dutch medical student who disappeared in Murchison Falls National Park in 2015, broke down in court as she gave harrowing testimony about her daughter’s last known days and the painful aftermath of her disappearance.
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The Court of Appeal has upheld the 12-year and three-month prison sentence handed to Godfrey Wamala, alias Troy, for the killing of celebrated Ugandan musician Moses Ssekibogo, popularly known as Mowzey Radio. A panel of three justices, Christopher Gashirabake, Dr Asa Mugenyi, and John Mike Musisi, dismissed Wamala’s appeal in its entirety, ruling that the trial court had rightly convicted him of manslaughter based on sufficient and credible evidence.
Student fined Shs100,000 for impersonating businessman Ham
An 18-year-old senior three student has been fined Shs100,000 after pleading guilty to charges of impersonating Kampala businessman, Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham. Ruth Nandase on Monday, April 28, 2025, pleaded guilty to charges of impersonation and cheating after signing a plea bargain agreement with the state and Ham’s representatives in court, for a lesser punishment at the Buganda Road Court presided over by the Chief Magistrate, Mr Ronald Kayizzi.
Besigye calls off hunger strike
Ugandan veteran opposition politician, Dr Kizza Besigye, has called off his hunger strike. This comes after he was arraigned before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court, a civilian court, and charged with treason following his abduction from Nairobi in November last year. The four-time presidential contender went on hunger strike over a week ago protesting his continued detention without a remand warrant. Until today, he was being tried at the General Court Martial alongside his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Judge orders state to wind up prosecution case in Magara murder trial
High Court judge Alex Ajiji has given the state prosecutor up to end of this week to complete his case in the Susan Magara murder trial. The judge issued the order after listening to testimonies from 39 prosecution witnesses, including the investigating officer, D/AIP Desire Wandera, who was expected to be the last witness. The state asked for more time saying there are seven more prosecution witnesses lined up. “How many witnesses are left?
Man pleads guilty to impersonating events promoter Balaam
A man has pleaded guilty to impersonating events promoter Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi in a bid to get MK project funds. Andrew Mark Asiimwe, 32, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sanura Nambozo at the Standard, Utilities and Wildlife court on Buganda Road where he pleaded guilty to two charges of personation and attempted electronic fraud.
'Allow me to go and die at home' 75-year-old defilement convict pleads with court
What you need to know: A frail-looking Ssozi had been carried to the courtroom by Nyeba with whom they have been on remand since 2021. The court heard that Ssozi had in 2021 confessed to committing the offence when he was arrested. A 75-year-old man who has been on remand at Luzira Prison for three years following his arrest on aggravated defilement charges pleaded with a Ugandan court to set him free after being pardoned by the victim’s family.
Policeman jailed 50 years for strangling to death colleague's 9-year-old daughter
Uganda, May 8 -- Court has sentenced a 48-year-old policeman to 50 years in prison after he was convicted of murder by strangulation. Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Wilson Abura was convicted of strangling to death a nine-year-old daughter of his fellow policeman in a shared house at Naalya Housing estate, Kampala.
Court fines teacher Shs4.6m for spreading malicious information against former headteacher
Uganda, May 8 -- A former primary school teacher at Edu-Care Junior School in Wakaliga, Kampala has been sentenced to pay a court fine of Shs4.6m or spend 1year in prison in default for spreading hate speech and cyber harassment against his head teacher.
South African national jailed for 40 years over kidnap
Uganda, March 28 -- The Court of Appeal has sentenced a South African national, Joachim Ugochukwu Onyeako to 40 years' imprisonment for offences of kidnapping with intent to confine and to demand for a ransom. In a unanimous judgement, the three member panel of the Appeal Court held that they take cognizance of the fact that these offences were planned by international criminals who included Onyeako.
Susan Magara cried out to her family for help- witness tells court
Murdered: Susan Magara. PHOTO/FILE What you need to know: According to Mr Kinene, the Digital Department deals mostly in cybercrimes and computer where they provide services which are technical to investigations, crime intelligence in general, help the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Judiciary at large in retrieving digital evidence using international accredited devices.
It is cruel to deny sex in marriage, says court
Uganda, March 21 -- By A High Court judge has ruled that denial of conjugal rights in marriage amounts to cruelty. Justice Celia Nagawa of the Family Division of the High Court also ruled that substance abuse, especially one that puts one's spouse in danger and extends to their livelihood and source of income, also constitute cruelty.
Kampala twin bombing: Five acquitted of terrorism as nine face trial
Friday, March 15, 2024 Police fire brigade, Redcross and volunteers put out fire after a bomb explosion on Parliament Avenue in Kampala on November 16, 2021. PHOTO/DAVIDLUBOWA Court on Wednesday acquitted five of the fourteen people accused of terrorism in line with the deadly 2021 Kampala twin bombing claimed by the Islamic State group.
Mpuuga's Shs500m service award illegal- Law Society
Uganda, March 5 -- Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for a thorough investigation into Shs500 million 'service award' allocated to former Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga, describing it as an "illegal charge" on the Consolidated Fund of Uganda.
Kabaka wins case against traditional rulers act
Uganda, Feb. 16 -- The appellate Court in Kampala has dismissed with costs a petition in which a Buganda Kingdom prince wanted the Traditional Rulers Restitution of Assets and Properties Act (TRRAP Act) nullified. A panel of five judges led by Justice Irene Mulyagonja dismissed the petition filed against the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Kimera Mutebi II on grounds that it did not raise any questions for interpretation.
Judge's absence delays trial of socialite Sipapa, wife
Uganda, Feb. 14 -- The trial of jailed Kampala socialite and businessman Charles Olimu, commonly known as Sipapa, has been delayed by the High Court for a month. Olimu is jointly charged with his wife Shamira Rukia Nakiyemba. On Wednesday, Sipapa appeared at the High Court for hearing of the case in which they are facing 13 charges of aggravated robbery and money laundering.
Court blocks ULS from appointing representatives in govt bodies without elections
Uganda, Feb. 5 -- Court has blocked the Uganda Law Society (ULS) council from appointing and or nominating its representatives on government statutory bodies without following the due process of involving all the members. Justice Boniface Wamala of the High Court ruled that the actions of the council to nominate or appoint society representatives in a manner other than that provided for under the law was in breach of the ULS Act. "To my finding, the council acted intra vires to its powers.
Court gives govt ultimatum on Besigye, Lubega case
Uganda, Jan. 25 -- Court has given the state 20 days to present evidence against opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye. Dr Besigye is jointly charged with Lubega Mukaku on accusations of inciting violence in regard to protests against high commodity prices. On Thursday, Buganda Road Court Magistrate Jatiko Nankya gave prosecution the last adjournment after failure of the state witnesses to appear.
Molly Katanga's DNA 'was found on pistol trigger'
Uganda, Jan. 23 -- A summary of the forensic evidence presented in court in the high-profile murder case of businessman Henry Katanga, shows that his wife, Ms Molly Katanga's DNA was found on the killer weapon. "The SOCO (Scene Of Crime Officer) visited the scene and picked several samples for forensic analysis. On the DNA examination of the pistol, it was found that A1's (Molly Katanga) DNA was the most predominant on the trigger.
Court frees five women remanded over Kampala twin bombings
Uganda, Dec. 21 -- Five women who were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting terrorism following the November 2021 Kampala twin bombings have been acquitted. The International Crimes Division of the High Court presided over by Justice Richard Wejuli Wabwire on Wednesday set free Eron Nanfuka, Sharon Nakitende, Annet Nakato Nakibirango, Zam Naiga and Shamirah Naddamba. They were accused of aiding, harboring, financing and supporting preparation and commission of acts of terrorism.
Sipapa, wife face 13 charges, trial starts in January
Uganda, Dec. 20 -- Kampala socialite Charles Olimu commonly known as Sipapa has been charged with 13 cases of fraud in connection with the September 2020 alleged aggravated robbery and money laundering. Jointly charged with his wife, Shamira Rukia Nakiyemba, Sipapa denied the 13 charges before the couple was further remanded until January 17, 2024 for commencement of the trial. The duo appeared before High Court Judge Michael Elubu.
Museveni draws mixed views for stopping sale of Gadaffi mosque
Uganda, Dec. 15 -- President Museveni yesterday received both backing and criticism for asking the Chief Justice to stop the auctioning of Gadaffi National Mosque as ordered by court. A number of lawyers Daily Monitor spoke to said whereas the President may have legitimate concerns about the handling of the matter by the courts, it was improper of him to appear to be interfering with the independence of the Judiciary.
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