Accused in Shs150m Wakiso Property Case Alleges Deception as Trial Continues
Proceedings in the alleged Shs150 million property fraud case resumed this week at the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court, with fresh claims emerging from one of the accused persons.
The case, being heard by Chief Magistrate Ms. Stella Maris Amabilis, involves five individuals facing charges of obtaining money by false pretence in connection with a disputed house sale in Wakiso District.
The prosecution alleges that the group fraudulently obtained Shs150 million from complainant Nkunze Martin Mugisha after falsely presenting ownership of a property.
During the hearing, one of the accused told court that she was manipulated into participating in the transaction. She claimed she was blindfolded at one point and later instructed to impersonate the property owner, who was allegedly said to be out of the country.
In her testimony, she alleged that Nakibuuka Mariam, Damulira Henry and another individual identified as Busuulwa facilitated meetings related to the transaction, including arranging an introduction to Mugisha Martin.
She said she assumed the identity of Joy Rose Mayanja and was coached on how to present herself during the negotiations.
Court further heard that the intended purchaser, Monica Mbabazi, was reportedly abroad, with representatives acting on her behalf in Uganda. The accused stated that she was also instructed to portray herself as the mother of the alleged property owner’s daughter to make the deal appear legitimate.
She added that although a meeting with a lawyer had been scheduled, the lawyer did not attend on the agreed date. According to her account, she was later contacted and asked to return for another meeting as the transaction advanced.
Following submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to March 2 for further mention and continuation of the hearing.
Counsel Faith Arinda of TMBEI Advocates, representing Monica Mbabazi, informed court that investigations and evidence presentation are ongoing, noting that additional details are expected to be presented as the case progresses.
The accused remain on trial under Section 305 of the Penal Code Act. The case has drawn considerable interest due to the high monetary value involved and the conflicting accounts presented before court.
