Broker seeks stay of trial in Wakiso land case

Real estate dealer Muhammad Kamonga, who faces charges related to a 200-acre land in Bukaya, Entebbe, has petitioned the High Court seeking orders to stay his trial, alleging a witch-hunt. He also requests the case file to be transferred to the High Court for review.

Kamonga is currently embroiled in criminal charges of forging land titles at the Entebbe Chief Magistrates Court, where his next hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2023.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleges that on May 7, 2021, at the Wakiso lands office, Kamonga, with the intent to deceive, forged a transfer form for the said land on block 435 plot 8, purporting to have been signed by a one Peter Bibangamba, whereas not.

Kamonga is also accused of presenting the forged transfer forms to the registrar of titles.

In his petition, Kamonga argues that he will not receive fair treatment in Entebbe due to the overlaps between his criminal trial and an ongoing civil case in the land division. He has requested an injunction to halt the criminal proceedings until the High Court’s Land Division makes a definitive ruling on the matter.

Meanwhile, displaced residents on the disputed land have urged the High Court to reject the request for a temporary injunction, claiming that the court is unaware of the situation on the ground. Harriet Nabyonga, one of the affected residents, states that her house and crops have been destroyed, and she demands that the case proceed without delay.

Written by Ruth Anderah